A GIRL was recovering yesterday after being knocked off her bike in a hit-and-run.

Carrie Louise Gibson, 13, was cycling with four friends at Red Briar Bank, between Bowburn and Quarrington Hill, near Durham, on Sunday afternoon, when she was struck by a car.

The vehicle stopped and a window was wound down, but it was then driven off without its two female occupants ensuring that Carrie was safe.

A member of staff from the nearby Tesco store held the teenager's hand until an ambulance arrived, and she was taken to hospital.

Yesterday, the Gilesgate Sports College student was recovering from shock and minor injuries at her home in Edge Court, Gilesgate, Durham.

Her father, Tony, said: "She's been in bed all day and she's got a big bruise on her hip and a big bump on her head.

"No one should run a person over and just leave them in the middle of the road. If her friends hadn't been there, anything could have happened.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward."

The driver of the small black car involved in the incident is described as slim, in her 30s, with short, light brown, spiky hair, and wearing spectacles.

The passenger was a woman with blonde hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-386 4929.