The funeral of a teenager who drowned trying to rescue her 10-year-old cousin was due to take place today.

Friends and family of 15-year-old Kajil Devi were expected to attend an early morning Hindu service at the Gurdwara temple in Southall before moving on to Hanworth Crematorium at 9.30am.

The A-grade student, who attended Feltham Community College, died after she was pulled from a lake after she tried to rescue her cousin last Sunday.

Kajil’s maths form tutor Alex Pett said: “Kajil had all the qualities any teacher could want from a student. She was knowledgeable, diligent, kind, humble, happy, inquisitive, methodical, neat, well presented and clear about her own future.

“We were all privileged in knowing Kajil. She was an inspiration to us all and her memory will live on through the success of her friends – just as she would have wished."

A special assembly was held at the school following Kajil’s death where friends shared their memories of their friend.

Headteacher Victoria Eadie said the school would be holding a memorial service when pupils return from their summer holiday.

Kajil was on a trip with her family at Cotswold Water Park, in Gloucestershire, when she slipped in a bathing area. She had been trying to help her young cousin who was drifting away from her in a boat.

Her young cousin threw her a rope but the teenager fell again and disappeared under the water.

Despite the efforts of a lifeguard to resuscitate her, Kajil died last Monday at Great Western Hospital.

Writing on a tribute page set up for Kajil on the social networking site Facebook, witness Sarah Morley expressed her sympathy to Kajil’s family.

She said: “Why did this happen to such a beautiful, young and much loved girl - you had the rest of your life infront of you.

“I will never ever forget that sad day. Rest in peace Kajil.”

An inquest was opened on Friday and has been adjourned until a later date.