STAFF at Melksham Oak School are supporting pupils after the sudden death of classmate Chloe Gilbert, 15, who collapsed on a shopping trip on Sunday.

Chloe, of Martinslade, Seend, was in Year 11. Her older brother Tom was a former Melksham Oak pupil who left last year.

She died suddenly during a trip to Bath on Sunday from what is believed may have been an allergic reaction to something she ate – she had been allergic to dairy products since she was a child. The teenager died after collapsing in the Southgate shopping just before 3pm. Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save her.

School staff are offering pupils support from the school counsellor and have also opened a book of condolence, inviting pupils and staff to sign and share their memories of Chloe. Any pupils who may feel they need extra support are being urged to talk to their tutors.

Melksham Football Club will be holding a two-minute silence before their game on Saturday in honour of the regard she was held in the town's community.

Head Stephen Clark said: "We are in the process of discussing memorials with students; they are currently writing a book of condolence and collecting together all of their photos of Chloe. Our whole school is devastated by the tragic loss of Chloe."

The Gilbert family did not want to talk to the Wiltshire Times this week, but issued a statement, urging anyone who suffers from allergies to ensure they seek medical help if they fear they are suffering from a reaction.

Describing Chloe as their "beautiful and talented" daughter, they said: “Our whole family and so many of Chloe’s friends have been left devastated at this sudden and tragic event.

“Chloe was diagnosed from an early age with an allergy to dairy products.

“The cause of Chloe’s death has yet to be ascertained, however we believe it may have been as a result to something Chloe had eaten.

“We urge anyone who has an allergy to seek immediate medical assistance if they are believe they are suffering any form of reaction.”

A letter to Melksham Oak parents from Mr Clark paid tribute to Chloe, saying: “One of the first things that you noticed when you met Chloe was her smile, she had a huge smile. It was infectious, along with her lust for life. Chloe had a great sense of humour and was beautiful inside and out.

“She had time for people and genuinely tried to look after those around her. Chloe was also creative, she drew fantastic pictures, as if the colour and warmth she had inside needed to radiate outwards.

“Chloe was an exceptionally popular member of the school, always surrounded by a clutch of giggling friends. She could talk the hind legs off a donkey. This may not have always been at the right times, but that innocent smile would spread angelically and it was impossible to be angry as you fought back your own grin.

“It’s always very painful to say goodbye to someone like Chloe, the fact that none of us had a chance to, makes it even harder. She will be remembered though, and her legacy will live on through her family and friends. There has not been a single person, teacher or student who has not had anything but the most positive of things to say about this young woman. This just goes to show what an impact she had on those that met her.

“Chloe was a vibrant, enthusiastic and bubbly young lady who always did her best. We know that Year 11 is so important for our students, and yet we know whatever her results were, Chloe would have succeeded in life. She will be sorely missed by all of us at Melksham Oak School. Our thoughts are with her family at this painful time. She will always be remembered here for her attitude; it was the smile that did it.”

Before going to Melksham Oak she was a pupil at Seend Primary School, where staff remembered her as a happy and active girl.

Jackie Chalk, head of the primary school, said: "Her death has come as a terrible shock to staff who knew her. Everyone remembers her very fondly.

"She was a very sporty girl and was very good at cross country running, as was her brother."

Friends took to Facebook to leave their own tributes. Ebony Bryant said: "I may not have known you that long and we haven't been as close this year but you'll forever be in my heart. You're such a stunning girl and loved by so many of us. A massive thanks to your family for raising an inspiring young girl but also so sorry for you. Fly high up there, you deserve the best chlo. You'll never be forgotten angel."

Candice Walters said: "Life is so unfair. We have some amazing memories which literally some of them were the best weeks I've had away and they will never be forgotten, Chloe Gilbert rest in peace you beautiful, beautiful soul."

Brenna Rose Grice wrote: "R.I.P Chloe Gilbert you will never be forgotten you will always be a part of us all gonna be missed by loads of people."