THOUSANDS of people have paid tribute to schoolgirl Leonie Nice, who died after being hit by a rugby ball in a PE lesson.

More than 4,000 people have joined the Facebook page RIP Leonie Nice, which has been set up in memory of the 12-year-old.

There has been a public outpouring of grief since Leonie, a Woodlands School pupil, died on Tuesday.

Dozens of flowers, toys and balloons have been left at the spot on the playground where Leonie is believed to have suffered a fit.

Pupils have also used candles to spell out Leonie’s name within the school in memory of the girl, who loved singing and dreamed of one day being on the ITV show X Factor.

Writing on Facebook, Tina Marie Penson posted: “RIP Leonie. My daughter was one of your many friends and I know she misses you terribly.

“She is keeping your spirit alive, along with lots of others.”

Tributes have also been paid to Leonie by staff at Ghyllgrove Nursing Home, in Ghyllgrove, Basildon, where she was part of a group of pupils who served tea and cake for the pensioners.

Carol Martin, activities co-ordinator at the nursing home, said: “She was brilliant with the residents.

“She was polite and friendly and the residents loved her.

“We were really thankful she and her classmates came in.”

The nursing home has a strong relationship with Ghyllgrove Junior School, where Leonie was a pupil, and pupils regularly join its residents for events like Christmas shows and tea parties.