Friends of Jarrow cliff-fall teen Chirelle Calder gather to pay tribute

A number of friends, who had been taking part in a National Citizenship Service (NCS) scheme with the 17-year-old during the holidays, released balloons in her memory.

The shocked teenagers, had spent the past three weeks - day and night - with Chirelle, including going on a trip to the Lake District.

Having learned about the tragedy, yesterday, they have rallied round to support each other.

They met on the beach below Marsden cliffs, at 11.45am, where Chirelle fell to her death exactly a day before.

One of those taking part in the seaside tribute was Toni Spence, 16, from South Shields.

Toni said: "She was one of the most generous people I have ever met.

"She could always put a smile on your face, and she was so easy to talk to."

Another friend, Beth Cooper, 16, said: "I'm devastated. I don't think heart-broken is the right word. I'm emotionally distressed."

Amy Wilson, 19, a leader of Chirelle's NCS group, run through South Tyneside College, said: "She's a really strong, amazing person.

"She was a talented writer, she wrote lots of poems about strength and carrying on.

"She was a good support for her friends when they needed help."

Chirelle was airlifted to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary in a critical condition after her fall, but she sadly passed away.

Police, fire fighters, the Great North Air Ambulance, road ambulances and and coastguards had been called out to the cliffs, near to the Marsden Grotto pub at about 11.40am on Saturday.

Police have appealed for anyone who was in the area at the time, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 121 of 13/08/16.