TRIBUTES are flowing to an 11-year-old Oldham schoolgirl who has died after a short battle with Covid-19.

Fabiana Zoppelli was a pupil at New Bridge Academy in Hollinwood, where teachers described her as "a beautiful soul". She previously attended Corpus Christi RC Primary School in Chadderton.|

The tributes appeared on both schools' websites and a fundraising page has been set up to support her family.

Fabiana, who suffered from a rare genetic disorder known as Floating Harbor Syndrome, died on Sunday, June 7 at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

A statement on the Corpu Christi website said: "Our Corpus Christi family has lost a special friend and our hearts are broken, but the memories we have of her will last a life time. We will never forget you.

"As a school community we are raising funds to support Fabiana’s family during this difficult time.

"The support we have had so far is amazing. This girl was loved by everyone who met her. The generosity shown by many has been amazing- thank you.

"Everyone has a special memory of Fabiana."

Gavin Lyons, head at her secondary school New Bridge, said the news had come as a "huge shock a huge shock to all of us who knew her as a bright young girl with a vibrant energy and a beautiful smile".

He went on: "We send our love and deepest condolences to her family and all who knew her, and our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

"To us, Fabiana was a beautiful soul, with whom we had the privilege to share so many wonderful moments.

"She possessed a fantastic ability to spread happiness wherever she went and she was a delight to have her beaming presence as part of our New Bridge family.

"Many of us remember the smile that crept across our faces as we watched her joyous performance of the lindy hop in last year’s Christmas Extravanganza.

"To those closest to her she was an amazing friend and through her role as one of our ‘Buddys’, was a source of support to so many pupils, helping them move around school during breaks and lunchtimes.

"She was always happy to help, nothing was ever too much. A talented artist, a brilliant dancer, a hard-working pupil, a generous friend. You will be missed dearly by us all, children and adults alike."

And a special message was shared on behalf of the pupils and staff in Fabiana's form group.

It said: “7LHA will forever have a massive hole that will never be filled. We are going to miss her kind, caring beautiful soul.

"Beautiful inside and out! Fabiana fully involved herself in New Bridge life and took every challenge that was offered to her.

"She did this with great enthusiasm and a huge beaming smile. We have learned so much from her over such a short time and we are saddened that our school has lost this superb young lady.”