First picture of judo girl, 7, who died in swimming tragedy

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Michelle Gellard was pulled from the water at Blackwater Leisure Centre in Maldon, Essex, on Saturday. She was treated at the scene by St John Ambulance cadets but was pronounced dead after being airlifted to Colchester General Hospital.

Her grieving parents revealed today she had won a silver medal in a judo tournament at the centre minutes before taking a swim. Mark Gellard and Sian Lakey, from the Isle of Dogs, paid tribute to their daughter, describing her as their "princess".

Michelle's mother said today: "She loved her judo and had been a member of the Docklands Dragons judo club for about 12 months.

"She was a cheeky little madam with attitude who could make anyone laugh but was also a loving, helpful and confident little girl. Michelle was generous to her friends and would always make time to get to know new people who joined the school.

"She had an ability to make friends easily and look after new pupils - she was old before her time." Ms Lakey added: "She was always dreaming up ideas for ways to raise money for the [judo] club so I would like to say that if people are thinking about making donations of any sort I know Michelle would have liked them to go to the club."

The family also paid tribute to staff at the hospital who fought to save Michelle.

In a message to her daughter, who had two brothers and a sister, Ms Lakey said: "My baby daughter, you are near but so far away. You are in my thoughts forever, my love ... I hope and pray you are not alone up there in heaven so high. I will be with you soon my darling daughter and we can dance together.

"Michelle, your brothers and sister are missing you so much. Oh why, my little princess, oh why did they take you so young? God bless my little angel in the sky."

Michelle's uncle Shane Lakey, 24, said: "The family are devastated but right now. I don't think they know the truth about what happened. Everyone is so upset."

Police are awaiting test results to establish the cause of her death.