A family has paid tribute to a talented and caring daughter and granddaughter who died suddenly of meningitis.

Leanne Forsyth, 15, died in hospital on Sunday morning surrounded by close relatives after she contracted an extremely virulent strain of meningococcal meningitis.

Ten relatives and friends were given strong antibiotics to prevent an outbreak of the disease, which can be contagious.

Leanne's immediate family, including her parents Lisa and Stuart, her twin sister Lauren, older sister Kayleigh, 17, and grandparents Mac and Jan Skeet say they are shocked and devastated by their loss.

Mrs Skeet, who should have been out celebrating her 58th birthday today, said: "We are just numb and devastated. She should have been with us today. She will be in spirit but it's not the same."

Mr Skeet said: "The whole family just can't believe that this 15-year-old girl who was perfectly healthy could be taken away from us. It's a nightmare."

Leanne, who lived at the family home in St Anselm's Road, Worthing, complained of leg-ache on Friday but felt well enough to go to her usual lessons at Davison High School for girls in Worthing.

She went out with friends on Friday evening but asked her mother to pick her up after about half and hour because she felt stiff and achy.

By Saturday morning, Mrs Forsyth noticed Leanne had developed a rash and rushed her to Worthing General Hospital. That afternoon she was transferred to Evelina Children's Hospital in London but despite doctors' best efforts she died the next morning.

Mr Skeet said: "It was all so sudden.

Everyone did everything right. There is no anger or axe to grind. Everyone at Worthing hospital and Evalina's in London were wonderful. We have nothing but praise for them."

Mrs Skeet said Leanne was a talented artist and hoped to go to university to become an art teacher.

She said: "She would help anyone. She was everyone's friend. She was very popular."

Mr Skeet said the family was seeking solace and support from each other and were overwhelmed by the number of people offering their condolences.

He said: "The number of people who have stopped me in the street and told me how sorry they are is amazing. As a family we would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words."

Della West, the headteacher of Davison High in Selborne Road, wrote to parents on Monday to explain Leanne's death and calm parents worried about a possible spread of the disease.

Paying tribute to the Year 11 pupil, she said: "Leanne was a bubbly girl who had a wicked sense of humour and was full of fun.

"She was very loving of her family and friends and we are thinking of them and praying for them at this very difficult time."

She said Leanne's friends described her as kind hearted and "the best friend anyone could ever want".

Ms West said: "In the last year Leanne had begun to develop into a mature and sensible young woman.

"The greatest sadness is that Leanne will not now develop the tremendous potential she had to make a positive difference to the lives of others."

The school has started a book of remembrance for Leanne and held a minute's silence at a carol service in St George's Church on Monday evening.

Mr Skeet said: "If there's anything to be learned from this it's that if you are unsure of your child's well-being and there's any doubt in your mind, it's vital you get it checked out."

A spokeswoman from Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust confirmed Leanne died of meningococcal meningitis on Sunday and that ten friends and relatives were given preventative medicine.

Parents were given information leaflets and helpline numbers through the school.

The PCT spokeswoman said: "Other pupils or staff should not feel concerned as the risk of being affected is very low. No further action is needed at this point."

Common symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion and cold hands and feet. Adults and children can also get a rash (septicaemia) that doesn't disappear under pressure.

For more information contact the Meningitis Research Foundation on 0808 8003344 and the National Meningitis Trust on 0845 6000800.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Leanne's funeral at 11am on December 21 at Worthing Crematorium.

The family has asked those attending to wear "bright and breezy" colours to reflect Leanne's personality.