THE distraught family of a 16-year-old girl who died in a road accident are campaigning for a crossing to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

Sarah Temple died in June a couple of days after being hit by two cars on the busy A167, near the Gretna Green pub at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The popular schoolgirl had visited the pub briefly to pick up an application form for a job there and was returning home. Her father, Stephen Temple, said: "There were three girls crossing the road and Sarah was the third in line, she wasn't even nearest to the cars.

"The drivers weren't speeding. We don't hold them responsible and we hope they don't hold Sarah responsible.

"But that road's an accident waiting to happen. It's a family pub, but there's no means of people walking there without crossing that road."

The community has rallied round the family, including Sarah's friends from Woodham Community Technology College. A memorial bench has been placed in West Cemetery and the school has plans for a memorial garden. Mr Temple said: "Sarah's friends have been great. From the day of the accident Sarah's friends were at the hospital talking to her by her bedside."

A friend of Sarah's started up a petition in her name to gain a crossing for the road at the point where she died and the response has surprised everybody.

Sarah's parents decided to get a few more signatures and placed petitions in shops and pubs throughout Newton Aycliffe and surrounding villages.

An estimated 3,000 people have already added their names in just over a week.

Mr and Mrs Temple handed over the first batch to county councillors Terry Hogan and Bill Blenkinsopp today. They are backing the campaign and are seeking a meeting with Tony Blair to discuss the issue.

Mr Temple, who would like to see some king of light controlled crossing, said: "We just want Sarah to be the last life to be taken on that road. She wasn't a bad kid, she was happy-go-lucky and would do anything for anyone.

"We need the support of people, not just in Newton Aycliffe, but Chilton, Ferryhill and anyone who uses that road. We need their support to make that road safer."