A HEARTBROKEN father has told how he had warned his 12-year-old daughter not to climb trees before she fell to her death while birdwatching.

Rachel Stewart, from Nelson, died after falling from a tree in fields behind Fisher-More High School in Colne.

Speaking after the inquest into her death, Graham Stewart said: "She had fallen before and never been seriously hurt. I had warned her about climbing trees."

He also warned other youngsters not to climb trees - and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has backed his call.

A spokesman said after the inquest: "It's a terrible tragedy. We advice everyone to take precautions for their safety. Obviously Rachel was very enthusiastic about whatever she was trying to see but we want everyone involved to take as much care as possible.

"We don't want anyone to put themselves in danger to please any hobby."

The inquest heard Mr Stewart had joined the RSPB three years ago and Rachel - described in court as "a very bright girl but with no fears, brave and very independent" - had got "fascinated" by bird watching.

Mr Stewart, 43, of Hollins Road, Nelson, said the family were devastated by her death and still "think about her constantly and miss her terribly".

He added: "When you get told she has had an accident and get there you don't expect that scene to greet you.

"I want to warn youngsters if they are going out birdwatching, go with a pair of binoculars, don't climb a tree."

Mr Stewart described the Walton High School pupil as a "mischievous" but "lovely" girl who "enjoyed her short life to the full and had so much love for everyone and everything".

He told how Rachel would watch either nature programmes at night with him or "girl's programmes" with her mum Arlene, 42, and he would carry her to bed every night as she fell asleep in front of the TV.

The family had also been saving for Rachel's wedding when she was older - but had to use the money to pay for her funeral instead.

Graham added that he now knew what every parent who has lost a child is going through.

The family are close friends with the family of Colne soldier Private Craig Warren, killed at the weekend in a road accident while on duty in Cyprus, and Graham said their "condolences, love and thoughts go out to them".

The Burnley inquest yesterday(TUES) was told that Rachel and a close 11-year-old friend had gone out on April 18 to look for birds' nests.

They climbed one tree but after struggling to get up far, Rachel started to climb another in fields behind Fisher-More High School, Colne.

A statement from the male friend, read to the court, said: "After a short while I heard a scream and could hear branches snapping. I heard Rachel go past me. She landed on the ground with a thud."

He added that he went to Rachel's aid and she had rolled herself onto her front, covered in mud and twigs, and was asking for help.

She stood up but then collapsed and the youngster ran to get help.

Her dad rushed to the scene and performed CPR on her but she could not be saved. She was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Home Office Pathologist Dr John Rutherford gave the cause of death as a head injury.

Her injuries were consistent with the fall and even if help had come sooner it was a fatal condition that is difficult to cure and she could not have been saved.

Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said: "She apparently had no fear and somehow in climbing the tree to pursue her hobby she slipped and fell and that fall proved fatal."

Scores of pupils lined up to say a tearful farewell to popular Rachel as her funeral cortege passed her school for the final time in May.

The family have been hit by more distress with vandalism at Rachel's lovingly tendered grave at Walton Lane Cemetery, Nelson and gifts left there, including cuddly toys, stolen.

Rachel also had two brothers Darren, 21, and Gareth, 17.