Friends of teenager Sam Fallon, who died on 9 May, 2008, after being struck down with the MRSA hospital virus, described her as a "fun-loving, life-loving girl".

The 17-year-old from Stoke had spent a month at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire fighting a rare immune disease affecting blood cells, before catching the superbug.

Friends and fellow students at Newcastle College, where she was a media student with ambitions to be a photographer, paid tribute to her.

Lindsay Howson, aged 17, said: "Sammie was a fun-loving, life-loving girl who had so many friends. I just hope she knows how much she was loved by me and everyone else. She was a star."

Charlotte Mayes, 17, said: "She was an amazing person who everyone loved. Sammie was such a bubbly character and could put a smile on anyone's face. I only knew her for six years but I feel lucky to have known her. She was a great friend."

Dan Finney, 17, said his friend would brighten up any room she walked into: "I loved Sammie more than anything. She was one of the best things that ever happened to me. We had some amazing times together and she always knew how to make me smile. She'll never be forgotten and the memories I've had with her will always stay with me."

Franki Whieldon, 16, said Sammie lived each day to the full: "I miss her so much, and I can't believe I'll never see her again. Sammie was an amazing, loyal friend who gave everything her all and was one of the happiest people I've ever known. She meant so much to me."

17-year-old Adam McGaw said: "Losing Sammie has left a big hole in my heart that no friend will be able to fill. A great friend to many has been lost, but her spirit will live on. If there's one thing I have learned from Sammie it's to live life to the full and to take nothing for granted, as life is short."

Adam Raftery, 18, said: "Sammie was the greatest. She always knew how to put smiles on everyone's faces, and she meant the world to us all. I'm never going to forget all the good times we had - they were some of the best times ever. I love you Sammie."

Kirsty Bobbin, 16, said: "She was my best friend - like a sister. We miss her loads but know she'll be having her own little adventure without us. I'll never forget her."

Charlotte Whitmore, 17, said: "Sammie was amazing. We were best mates for nine years. She was always there for me and will be missed so much by everyone."

Laura Green, aged 16, added: "She was the nicest girl anyone could meet. Sammie was my best friend and I am going to miss her so much."

Sam's mum Sue Fallon, aged 42, of Campbell Road, Stoke said: "She was a happy, beautiful 17-year-old with everything to live for. She had so many friends and was so well-liked and loved, we all miss her so much, especially her 12-year-old sister Alex."

Philip Keeling, head of sixth form at Newcastle College, said: "Sam was a delightful student and everyone is shocked and amazed at her sudden death. She was quiet, polite, had a group of close friends and just wanted to do her work well and get on in life."