The family of a Carlisle schoolgirl who died suddenly have spoken of their heartache on the week she should have been finishing school for summer.

It comes as an inquest concluded that 15-year-old Ruby Seal's death, on February 21, was a result of suicide.

Described as a bright, sensitive and witty teenager, mum Julie Seal told the hearing that her world fell apart the day Ruby died.

A statement, issued via Cumbria Police, said: “Ruby should have been finishing school this week with her sisters, looking forward to the school holidays.

“It’s still unbelievable that she is no longer with us and her loss continues to be felt every day at home as well as by her grandparents and her friends who miss her more as time goes by."

Following her death, friends at Richard Rose Central Academy filled a book of condolence with tributes to Ruby, a Dr Who fanatic who also loved music and skateboarding.

An inquest, held at Cumbria House in Carlisle yesterday, set out the tragic circumstances of Ruby's death.

Coroner Kally Cheema heard that she hanged herself while alone at home, in Warwick Road, during half term.

She was found by her younger twin sisters and grandparents when they returned to the family home. Medics worked for hours to save her, but she died at the Cumberland Infirmary later that day.

Ruby was born in Carlisle and spent her early life in Warwick Road with her mum, dad Shaun Seal, older sister Maisey and the twins. She attended Norman Street School.

Her parents separated in 2009 and she and her siblings later moved to the north east with their mum, though continued to have some contact with their dad. The family returned to live in the city in early 2016 and Ruby started at Central Academy.

Headteacher Stephen Gilby said Ruby was a good listener who quickly established a close group of friends. He had presented her with a certificate of achievement the week before she died.

Ruby had a history of self harm and low mood, having once written a note saying she no longer wanted to be here, but had received treatment and it was believed to have been successful.

Although she continued to struggle with some teenage issues, there was no one incident that drove her to take her own life, and she wasn't deemed a suicide risk by health professionals, her teachers or her family.

Following the hearing, her mum added: “Today has concluded a difficult process and we are grateful that Ruby’s inquest has concluded with the right outcomes.

“Ruby will be with us in our hearts and minds forever. Shine bright Ruby."

In his statement, her dad added: "The loss of Ruby has devastated us all."

If you are thinking about suicide or need someone to talk to call Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) on 0800 068 41 41, email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209697, or contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org

If your family or friends have been affected by suicide you can also get support from Cumbria Sobs (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) on 07572 975 721 or email hello@sobs-cumbria.org.uk