TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a 13-year-old Malvern schoolgirl who died this week after a long battle with cancer.

Bethany O’Donnell had been fighting against the disease but died on Tuesday night.

Kevin Peck, headteacher at the Chase School where Bethany was a year 9 pupil, said: “Bethany was a lovely girl and a much-valued student of the school.

“Her friends and teachers are concentrating on supporting her family at this very difficult time.

“Bethany’s fellow pupils are themselves being supported by the school’s counsellor, chaplain and educational psychologist.

“A reflection or prayer room has been set-up in school and a book of condolence has been opened.

“The school will be represented at the funeral, which is still being arranged, by the students and staff who knew Bethany best.”

At the beginning of the week friends of Bethany set up a group on social networking site Facebook in an attempt to arrange a meeting between Bethany and the famous singer Ed Sheeran.

The group, which said Beth had about four weeks left to live, was titled Beth to meet Ed Sheeran.

It was set up on Monday and had more than 1,000 “likes” from supporters by Tuesday afternoon.

A number of people also turned to micro-blogging site Twitter in the hope they could make the wish of their friend come true.

After Bethany died on Tuesday night tributes left on social media sites included a Tweet from singer Ed Sheeran himself on Wednesday saying #RIPBeth.

Facebook tributes were made by friends.

They included: Life is taking the wrong people! Rest In Peace Beth!??

RIP Beth. Taken too soon. I love you.

She was such a brave girl and I can’t believe she left us so early.

Everyone’s been upset today, hugging, crying etc.

She was so strong, it’s unbelievable.

Words can’t even describe how sorry I feel for her family and close friends.

Her parents did not wish to comment.