TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘lovely and courageous’ 16-year-old who has died.

Police were called at 10.15am on Wednesday after the body of Runshaw College student Suzie Strong was found in woods close to Astley Road in Chorley.

Staff and pupils at Parklands High School, which she attended until this summer, were shocked to hear the news of the death of the former pupil.

Suzie started at the school in 2013 and she completed her GCSE exams in summer 2018, gaining nine GCSEs at grades 5 and above.

School chiefs say her most outstanding achievement was in art, where she obtained the highest grade possible – grade 9.

Headteacher Steve Mitchell said: “The whole school community is deeply saddened to have lost Suzie, who was a lovely, courageous and resilient girl.

“Her determination to succeed in her exams stood out all year, and we were so pleased to celebrate with her on results day in August.”

“This tragic loss will be felt by everyone in the Parklands community, and our deepest and heartfelt sympathy goes to her family at this painful time.

“We are all the better for having known Suzie and she will have a lasting effect on us all.”

In a statement on Parklands High School Facebook page, it was said that they were ‘devastated’ by the news.

It added: “Suzie’s parents have asked us to use our social media platforms both to commemorate Suzie’s life, but also to raise awareness of mental health issues.

“We want people to use social media to support one another - remember you are not alone.

Police said at the time that her death was ‘not being treated as suspicious’.

Suzie had recently become a student at Runshaw College in Leyland.

A spokesman for the Langdale Road institution, said: “We are devastated. Suzie was in the first year of her A-level studies at Runshaw.

“Suzie was a very talented student, and she was very well liked by her teachers and classmates.

“She will be greatly missed and our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to Suzie’s friends and family.

“Our college counsellors are supporting students and staff at this desperately sad time.”

Pupils at St Michael’s CE High School have been offered support after Suzie’s body was found in the woods close to the school.

Headteacher Jayne Jenks said: “The pupils, staff and governors of St Michael’s CE High School would like to send their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Suzie Strong.

“We have all been touched by the untimely passing of this beautiful young lady and are praying she is now at peace.

“Our thoughts are also with colleagues and the students at Parklands Academy and Runshaw College.

“We can only imagine the shock this devastating loss has caused.

“At St Michael’s we have joined together in praying for Suzie’s family and friends.

“Our school community is grateful for the support of the local clergy and members of the wellbeing team, in offering support to the young people and staff who have been particularly affected by this terrible tragedy.”