FRIENDS of a schoolgirl found dead in her bedroom have paid her a very special tribute.

More than 50 people gathered outside Simon de Montfort Middle School in Evesham on Saturday morning to release balloons in memory of 12-year-old Katie Webb.

The youngster, who attended the school, was found hanged at her Evesham home on April 24. She was flown to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but died shortly after arrival.

Messages were attached to some of the 50 pink balloons that were released.

The event was organised by one of her close friends, Sumer Meadows.

“We did this because of Katie,” said the 12-year-old.

“She was a good friend. We released pink balloons as that was her favourite colour.”

Sumer attached a message to her balloon which read: “An angel in the sky, looking down on everyone. You will be missed.”

Following the release, ‘three cheers’ were sounded in her memory.

Katie’s death saw scores of people take to social network sites to pay tribute to her.

Hannah Baldwin said: “Everytime I saw you you were always so happy” and Moomin Tash commented: “I will always be glad I was there to be your friend.”

A few days ago, Katie’s headteacher dismissed rumours voiced on Facebook that Katie may have taken her own life after suffering at the hands of bullies.

Caroline Browne said: “We are aware of some speculative rumours on some social media sites suggesting this tragedy was linked to bullying in school.

“We have no evidence or reason to believe this was the case.”

She said there were plans to hold a school memorial service. Katie’s death is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.