A GIFTED teenager has died from an overdose in her York home.

Helen Long, 16, of Albany Street, off Leeman Road, was taken to St James's Hospital in Leeds, but died of organ failure.

An inquest found she had died from multiple organ failure caused by an overdose of paracetamol.

Pupils and teachers at Millthorpe School, off Scarcroft Road, have been remembering an extremely talented, popular but quiet pupil.

"Helen was an absolute credit to herself," said head teacher Peter Whitcomb.

"She was a self-contained, popular young lady with many friends.

"Although quiet by nature, she did not lack confidence, and her contributions in lessons benefited all around her."

Helen, whose younger sister, Judith, is also a pupil at the school, had attended Park Grove Primary School before moving to Millthorpe.

"Helen had many talents, not least as a highly-gifted writer, and she was certain to achieve wonderful results in her GCSEs in a few months," said Mr Whitcomb.

"We have tried to break the news as carefully and sympathetically as we can to our school community, and we will be offering them professional help in coming to terms with Helen's death.

"Her death is a terrible tragedy and she will be deeply missed."

Helen died on January 15. Her parents, Jadzia Terlecka and Richard Long, have asked for donations to be sent to Amnesty International at 99-119 Roseberry Avenue, London EC1R 4RE, or Oxfam at 274 Banbury Road, Oxford 0X2 7DZ.

A spokesman for York education authority said: "There is absolutely no suggestion that Helen had any problems at school, and we do not know why this tragedy happened."

Updated: 11:02 Thursday, January 24, 2002