THE father of a 10-year-old girl who died during swimming training has paid a heartfelt tribute to his daughter. Talented Alex Burt was part of Chelmsford Swimming Club but suffered a fit in the pool during a practice session at New Hall School in Boreham.

THE father of a 10-year-old girl who died during swimming training has paid a heartfelt tribute to his daughter.

Talented Alex Burt was part of Chelmsford Swimming Club but suffered a fit in the pool during a practice session at New Hall School in Boreham.

The youngster was pulled from the water and desperate attempts were made to revive her but she was later pronounced dead at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

A post mortem later found that Alex, of Little Baddow, had died from immersion.

Mourners packed the St Mary the Virgin Church in Little Baddow for her funeral on Wednesday with many of her school and swimming club friends there.

Many people were in tears as a studio recording was played of Alex and her close friends singing their own version of the Busted song Year 3000.

Yesterday Alex's dad, Nick, paid tribute to his daughter and spoke of her love of life.

The Metropolitan Police officer said: "The church was full of people, standing round the edges as well. Lots of Alexandra's friends from swimming club and her school were there.

"She went swimming three or four times a week and also loved watching football. We had tickets for the Colchester against West Brom game last weekend, but I took her sister, Victoria, instead.

"She loved watching Colchester and was a member of the supporters association. Her favourite player was Kem Izzet and we have had a card from him."

Mr Burt thanked the Chelmsford Swimming Club and Alex's headteacher, Keith Parsons, at St John's School in Danbury.

"Mr Parsons has been wonderful and so has the swimming club as well. You do not realise just how many people are affected by something like this until it happens. It is very strange now that the funeral is over – it is so quiet here," he said.

The school is planning to create a memorial garden in tribute to the youngster to give the pupils a place to go to reflect on Alex's life.

Speaking after Alex's death on September 13, Mr Parsons said: "Alexandra was caring, beautifully polite and from a lovely family.

"She was a sheer joy to have in school and it was a privilege to be involved in her education."