A STUDENT is recovering from major crush injuries which she suffered in an horrific accident, just days after arriving in Durham at the start of the university term.

Ursula Billington was struck by a runaway Durham City Council van as she walked down Owengate from Palace Green, shortly after attending her first day of lectures last Thursday.

Miss Billington was pinned to a wall by the driverless van, which had rolled about 30 yards down Owengate, after being left by a city council workman who was locking the public toilets on Palace Green.

The 18-year-old fresher, who only arrived in Durham to begin a psychology course five days earlier, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham in a critical condition, with life threatening injuries.

Her parents, Arthur and Penny, travelled from the family home in Derby to be at her bedside in the intensive care unit at the hospital.

The university has provided temporary accommodation for Mr and Mrs Billington so they can remain close to the hospital. Although Miss Billington is still in intensive care by this Wednesday, she was no longer on the critical list, and her condition was described as comfortable.

Messages of support, get well cards and flowers have been pouring into the hospital.

One giant card was signed by more than 100 students at Miss Billington's college, University College, based at Durham Castle.

A university spokeswoman said: "The student community has been very supportive and I believe Miss Billington's college has been in touch with the family to offer its best wishes and to pass on some of the messages of support."

Following Freshers' Week celebrations, Miss Billington attended her first lecture last Thursday.

She was making her way back to her flat, at the Moatside residential block, when the accident happened as she walked down Owengate, at about 6.30pm.

A 19-year-old female student, who was walking with her was also struck by the van, but suffered less serious injuries. Other students walking with them were unhurt.

A keen musician, Miss Billington is well known on the East Midlands music scene.

Going under the stage name Weil Influenze, she plays bass with up-and-coming indie band, Spiral, performs with the Shenanigans Ceilidh Band and plays on fiddle alongside her parents in a blues band called the Piranha Band.

Durham Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the cause of the accident.

The city council has also launched an internal investigation into the accident.

A council spokeswoman said: "This is a shocking accident and all our thoughts go to the girls and their families and friends.

"We are immediately undertaking a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident and will be liaising with the police and other authorities during those investigations."

The driver of the van was a 28-year city council employee.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to to contact Durham Police accident investigation unit, on (0191) 386 4929.