Teachers and students at Burton Hill House School are in shock after a 17-year-old female student died from a heart attack.

Angharad Warne, from West Berkshire, joined the school last September for a 48-week placement.

She had profound physical disabilities and associated learning problems and died at the school last Saturday around 1pm.

Headteacher Harry Dicks said she appeared unwell that morning and so a doctor was called for her.

Recalling the events he said: 'Suddenly she took a turn for the worse and two staff gave her cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as did the doctor. There was no warning.

"Because we are a small school were like a big family and it is very sad for everyone. The staff and students are all very distressed. It came out of the blue."

The headteacher said a post mortem later confirmed the teenager died from a heart attack.

Mr Dicks said Miss Warne was a very happy person with a lovely smile who was always very aware of was going on.

Her funeral will be held on Monday and a number of staff from Burton Hill House will be attending.