Girl, 15, found in river was playing, inquest told

Holli Smallman was playing with friends near the River Severn, Welshpool, an inquest hears

A 15-year-old girl who died in a river had been playing with friends, the opening of an inquest has been told.

Holli Smallman from Welshpool, Powys, was found at 20:00 BST on Friday, 9 August after a search of the River Severn.

Her heartbroken family described Holli as a "loving and caring girl".

They also warned of the dangers of swimming in open water, urging parents and children to take care.

Her family paid tribute to Holli, who went to Welshpool High School pupil and was a Welshpool Army Cadets member.

"We are so heartbroken and would never want any other family to go through the pain that we are going through," they said.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, they said: "She had her whole life ahead of her and there will be a hole in our lives that will never heal, and we will never forget the amazing person that Holli was.

"She loved her family, and she loved her friends and showed that every day.

"We are all so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kindness shown to us as a family and we thank you all for the messages and gestures made to us from everyone in the community. We have seen your messages which have meant so much to us.

"We also have in our hearts and minds the friends who were with Holli that tragic day. The support and compassion shown to us from the community, we extend to them in this unimaginable time, and they are all in our thoughts."

They said that "the dangers of water have been brought home in a way that no one can imagine" and pleaded with people to take the utmost care.

Pontypridd Coroner's Court was told a date has not been set for a full inquest.