A touching tribute has been paid to the Bournemouth schoolgirl who collapsed and died during a night out with her twin sister.

Nicola Hince was attending a school reunion at the Opera House in Boscombe on Wednesday when tragedy struck.

News of her death has stunned the headteacher, staff and governors at St Peter's school in Southbourne where the 17-year-old from Corfe Mullen was a student.

Pupils will be informed of Nicola's death at special assemblies today.

Headteacher Anthony McCaffrey said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by Nicola's death.

"She was a very able, popular member of the sixth form who had an extremely promising future.

"Nicola always wore a friendly smile and possessed a wonderful dry sense of humour. She joined St Peter's in September 1996 with Rachel, her identical twin.

"Rachel left school last autumn while Nicola decided to stay on to study A levels."

Yesterday had been set aside for school training. "Once we heard the news staff came together in the school chapel to share their memories of Nicola as well as their reflections and prayers," said Mr McCaffrey.

"We shall miss her greatly."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as we try to come to terms with this tragic event."

Nicola was rushed to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where attempts to resuscitate her failed.

A post mortem was held yesterday but the cause of Nicola's death is not expected to be known until next week.

DS Steve Thorpe of Bournemouth CID said: "We must stress that we do not think there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding Nicola's death and no indication that drugs were involved.

"Until we have a pathologist's report we cannot give an accurate cause of her death.

"We are still trying to get a full picture of what happened. We know Nicola collapsed on the dance floor.

"If anyone can tell us more we would be happy to hear from them."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Bournemouth CID on 01202 552099 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.