Pop star Scott Robinson has warned youngsters about solvent abuse following the death of a 14-year-old Pitsea girl.

Asthma sufferer Stacey Moore - a pupil at Chalvedon School, in Wickford Avenue, Pitsea - died instantly of asphyxia after inhaling from an aerosol can in her bedroom.

Scott, aged 21 - who has earned fame and fortune with chart-toppers Five - was himself a pupil at Chalvedon School and still lives in the Pitsea area.

After hearing of the tragedy he decided to send a message to any other children thinking of experimenting with solvents.

"This is a tragic case and one that could have been avoided," he said.

"Solvent and drug abuse of any kind is very dangerous and Stacey's parents must be going through hell - I don't want to see any others suffering in this way.

"I know that Stacey's death would have greatly affected the pupils and teachers at Chalvedon School so if just one youngster heeds this warning then some good has been done."

Responding to Scott's comments, Stacey's aunt, Mena Cassano, said: "If he is popular with young people and his comments are going to be listened to by them then it is a good idea for him to say these things.

"Anything that can help get across the message that solvents are dangerous if misused is worthwhile and I hope lots of people hear what he is saying."

Headteacher Alan Roach has written to all pupils' parents alerting them to the perils of drug and solvent abuse.

In his letter he warned: "Even a single experiment with an illegal substance could cost your child his or her life.

"If we know that there is a problem, then together we can find the solution - before it is too late."

Stacey lived with her mother, Nancy, and half-brother Ruggiero, aged seven months, in Caister Drive, Pitsea.

Just two weeks prior to her death she had given her mother a letter explaining how lonely and unhappy about her weight she was and how she had been bullied at school.

Scott Robinson

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.