The parents of a Lancashire schoolgirl who died from a suspected ecstasy overdose have spoken of their "little angel."

Police believe Jade Slack, from Meadow Park, Galgate, near Lancaster, may have taken as many as five tablets before dying in Lancaster Royal Infirmary on Sunday.

An inquest into her death has been opened and adjourned.

Three people questioned in connection with the 10-year-old's death have been released on bail.

Police believe there was ecstasy at the house

Jade's parents, Simon and Beverley, said in a statement: "Jade was a loving and kind daughter who would do anything for anybody.

"She was full of love, always happy and laughing.

"She had many friends and everyone who met her loved her.

"We are devastated by what has happened and cannot believe she has gone.

"We keep expecting her to come walking through the door at any moment.

"Only last week she was winning races at the school sports day.

"She was our little angel and always will be."

The full results of toxicology tests are still awaited, but Jade could prove to be the youngest victim of ecstasy.

Missed pupil

On Monday, coroner George Hill opened an inquest for identification purposes.

The inquest in Lancaster was adjourned while police investigations continue.

It lasted minutes, and Jade's family was not present.

Police said the full results of toxicology tests to establish exactly how the girl died could take up to two weeks.

Jade ran in the school sports

Jade died after spending Sunday afternoon with a 10-year-old friend at a house near her home.

Two men and a woman - aged between 18 and 20 - arrested after Jade's death, have been released on police bail pending further forensic tests.

Detective Superintendent Ian Jones from Lancashire Police said police had recovered articles from the house and from one of the people in custody.

Mr Jones said: "We have reason to believe this may be ecstasy.

Floral tribute

On Monday, a special assembly was held at Jade's school, Ellel St John's Primary School.

The headteacher Barbara White, said: "Everyone at the school is terribly shocked by the tragic death of Jade at the weekend.

"She was a bubbly, popular girl who will be greatly missed by us all."

Jade's former classmates paused outside the house where she is thought to have taken the drugs as they made their way to school on Tuesday.

Some laid flowers on the wall outside the terraced cottage expressing sympathy for the 10-year-old's family.

The cards on one small bunch read: "To Jade, we are thinking about you. Rest in peace forever, from friends."