This appears to have been a terrible freak accident

Barbara Hughes, South Tyneside council

Barbara Hughes, South Tyneside's director for lifelong learning and leisure said on Tuesday: "We are doing everything possible to help the family during this distressing time.

"I understand that Nicola is an accomplished skier who was skiing in a small group with a nationally-qualified instructor.

"This appears to have been a terrible freak accident."

Nicola's parents are at their daughter's hospital bedside in Klagenfurt, where her condition has been described as very serious.

Staff and pupils at the school have been holding special assemblies and a mass.

Headteacher Joe Campbell said: "Staff and pupils are traumatised by news of the accident.

"All Nicola's friends in the lower sixth are offering prayers for Nicola and her family and will be writing to them in Austria.

"Everyone here at St Joseph's is praying for Nicola, her family and her friends and offering them all our support and help."