The mother of a 15-year-old Shrewsbury schoolgirl who was found dead at her home, has paid tribute to her “beautiful, talented and caring” daughter.Greta Wilkinson, a Year 11 student at Shrewsbury Girls High School, died last week.

She was found hanged at her home in Racecourse Avenue, Monkmoor, after struggling to overcome a mental illness.

Today her mother Jennifer Burgess spoke of her family’s overwhelming sadness following the death of her daughter.

She said: “As a family, we have been devastated at the loss of Greta. She was very much an integral and loved member of our family and will be dearly missed.

“Greta was a beautiful, talented and caring young girl. She had a wonderful and lively intellect and enjoyed her school studies. She was particularly gifted at art, and had interests in drama, music and animal welfare.”

Miss Burgess said Greta, her only child, had struggled with long-term mental illness.

She said: “Over the past year, she has been suffering from mental health problems for which she was receiving treatment and which she was sadly unable to overcome.

“Words cannot express our shock and sadness at what has happened, and the fact we were unable to help her through her difficulties.

“We would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to friends and neighbours, to Greta’s school and to relatives for their many kind acts and messages of support.”

Students have paid tribute to Greta on two groups on Facebook. The groups have been set up by students at Shrewsbury Girls High School.

Greta has been described as a pupil of “tremendous potential” by the school.

Staff at Greta’s former school, St George’s Junior School, in Shrewsbury, have also paid tribute.

By John Kirk