THE family of Stella Akanbi, who drowned off Clacton beach on Sunday, have today paid an emotional tribute to the ten-year-old.

THE family of Stella Akanbi, who drowned off Clacton beach on Sunday, have today paid an emotional tribute to the ten-year-old.

Stella's family thanked everyone for the support they have received over the last few days, saying “We feel privileged to have had such support at this time.”

The family praised the efforts of Essex Police, Thames Coastguard, the RNLI and the RAF helicopter team that tried to rescue Stella.

The family said in a statement that Stella was “a special child indeed” who touched the lives of those who came in contact with her.”

Stella was a promising young athlete, representing Milton Keynes in competitions, as well as being a talented writer who enjoyed poetry and regularly submitted poems for publication in the local church newsletter.

One of Stella's poems, 'Jump for joy!'

Jump for joy as Jesus is here,

Come on boys let's hear a cheer,

Let's go girls; we know He's near,

In the entire world we know we have no fear.

Jesus will never let us down,

So that means we should get rid of our frowns,

We'll never be with Satan under ground,

'Cos now we know that Jesus is around.

Praise in the lord for He is great,

We've been brought together by Him and fate,

Come on people let's celebrate,

Let's knock on His door and open His gate.