A HEREFORDSHIRE secondary school has paid tribute to a popular student with great sporting ability who died in the sea while on a family holiday.

Kingstone High School, near Hereford, said it was with deep sadness that it confirmed that one of its students, Kacper Biele, had died.

The 13-year-old had been on holiday with his family in Skegness, Lincolnshire, when he died after going into the sea.

Head of school Lee Butler said he will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

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He said Kacper was due to enter year 9 in September and was a popular member of his year group with great sporting ability.

He had a passion for football, representing both the school and Hereford Pegasus FC.

In a letter to parents, he said that during a time of such sadness, young people may experience many different feelings.

"Some pupils may feel shocked, angry and upset by the news, while others may be confused or numb," he said.

"These reactions are all normal. Appropriate support will be available to help students, staff and parents in dealing with this extremely sad event."

He said help was available from different websites, including childbereavementuk.org, Cruse.org.uk and Hopeagain.org.uk.

"Our thoughts are with Kacper’s family and friends at this terribly sad time," he said.

A search was launched by emergency services at around 6pm on Saturday (August 13), with Kacper's body found five hours later.

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Kevin Bishop, chairman of Hereford Pegasus FC, said: "The club has been informed of the devastating news that Kacper Biela died in a tragic swimming accident in Skegness at the weekend. Kacper was a member of the victorious u14 team who won the league and cup double last season.

"Despite playing up a year, he was an exceptional player for the team and had recently been selected for the Hereford Football Academy.

"Kacper joined the club at the tender age of five and quickly developed into an excellent player dominating games from midfield. Kacper was a lovely boy on and off the pitch, and a credit to his family and club.

"All at the club are devastated by the news and ask that the family, management and his team mates are given the time and space at this most difficult time."

A PayPal donations page set up to help Kacper's family pay for funeral costs has already reached the £5,000 target.

Justyna Lebiest, a friend of the family, said the tragedy had broken his family's hearts.