Jessica Lawson: Tributes After Swimming Tragedy

The father of a girl who died in a swimming accident on a school trip to France has paid tribute to his "beautiful, loving and kind daughter".

Jessica Lawson was visiting an activity resort near Meymac in the Massif Central region when the tragedy happened.

The 12-year-old, who was part of a group of 24 students, was on a pontoon which overturned in a lake.

Jessica, who was a pupil at Wolfreton School in Hull, was taken to hospital in Limoges but died on Wednesday morning.

French authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the death.

Writing on Facebook, Antony Lawson said the family are "waiting to get her back home to be remembered forever".

He said: "This only happens to other people! Yesterday we became those 'other people' we lost our beautiful loving and kind daughter Jessica in tragic circumstances in France.

"We are here for her and are waiting to get her back home to be remembered forever."

He described Jessica as "Mum's baby girl" and "Dad's birthday girl", adding: "We all love you and miss you. All our love forever and ever.

"You will always be with us Mum and Dad and Polly and Hannah."

Jessica's sister Polly, who has travelled with other family members to the resort, said on Facebook: "Just thought I should let everyone who knows me and my family that the girl in this accident was unfortunately my sister Jess.

"We are in France doing everything we can to get her back into the country.

"All of your thoughts are appreciated at this time.

"Remember who she was not who she could have been, it is important we respect and cherish the memories we had with her. Thanks everyone again."

Hannah Davison, another sister, said: "Jess was the most beautiful and outgoing girl and I am proud to be her sister.

"I will live my life to the full just like she would have done."

Jessica had been at the centre for several days and was part of a group jumping from the pontoon, local radio station France Bleu reported.

This then overturned, trapping some of the children underneath.

A lifeguard dived down twice before finding Jessica, according to reports.

Mehdi Razine, an activity camp worker, told France 3 television: "There was a kid and, I don't know, around 20 others and unfortunately the thing (a plastic pontoon on the lake) flipped over.

"There was a girl who suffered a nasty blow as it turned over and she fell into the water. And a minute, or a minute and a half later, people reacted."

It is believed the staff and students who were on the trip are due to back in the UK on Thursday afternoon.

Dave McCready, head teacher at Wolfreton School, said Jessica was a "delightful student" who "lived life to the full".

He said: "She was a bright girl who applied herself in all lessons and as a consequence she was well liked by staff who found her a pleasure to have in their class.

"Jessica was popular with students and staff alike, her attendance was excellent and her tutor commented on Jessica's recent report about her 'willingness to get to know other students and work with them'.

"This reflects her caring and thoughtful nature; she will be sorely missed by everyone at the school."

French authorities have interviewed pupils, who will have access to counselling.

Flowers have been left at the school's gates in memory of Jessica.

The incident happened at the Club Correze adventure centre and the trip was run by the Activ4 tour operator.

Pupils on the trip had to be able to swim 50 metres unaided, but a letter to parents said they did "not have to be technically sound or regular swimmers".

Activ4 said it understood the accident occurred while the group was swimming after scheduled activities had finished.

Steve Scott, managing director of the company, said the exact circumstances remain unclear.