A YOUNG woman has died after the car she was travelling in crashed at an accident blackspot.

The 19-year-old was flung from a Citroen AX as it spun out of control and crashed into trees on the edge of Eaglescliffe, near Yarm. She died at the scene.

The victim, who has not been named, was a passenger in the Citroen being driven by a 17-year-old youth, who escaped with cuts to his head and shock.

Cleveland Police, who are investigating the accident, say the youth lost control as he drove along Durham Lane from the A66 at 2.45am yesterday.

It happened 55 yards south of Cowley Moor Farm, just short of the turn-off to the Eaglescliffe industrial estate.

Police said the vehicle careered across the road, clipping a road sign which caused the car to spin and hit trees.

Ironically, the sign the car hit was a warning sign installed with a package of road safety improvements only four years ago, following a spate of accidents in Durham Lane.

Cats'-eyes were installed along the edges of the twisting country lane and an advisory 50mph maximum speed limit introduced along with go-slow road markings in 2003, following the recommendations of consultants.

There were 12 injury accidents - including one fatality - in Durham Lane between 1999 and 2001, another four injury accident in 2002 and two serious accidents last year.

Liberal Democrat ward councillor John Fletcher said: "Obviously, I cannot prejudge what happened in this latest accident, but I will ask Stockton Borough Council officers whether in the light of the record of this stretch of Durham Lane, further action can be taken."

Colleague Councillor Maureen Rigg said: "It is horrendous and deeply sad. A girl in the prime of her youth has been killed - a life lost.

"The police will be investigating and once they have completed their investigations they may have recommendations for us, which we will take extremely seriously and see if there is anything more that can be done."

Witnesses to yesterday's accident are asked to contact Cleveland Police on 01642-301552