DETECTIVES trying to discover how a woman suffered serious injuries have made a renewed appeal for help a year after she was found hurt.

Joanna Pearson, 24, of Heaton, Newcastle, has no memory of being injured 12 months ago after spending Easter Monday with friends.

She was last seen in the city centre trying to catch a taxi at 8.30pm - and was found half an hour later on Stepney Bank, beneath Byker Bridge, with serious head and leg injuries.

Nearly a year on, Ms Pearson is still in hospital, although she is slowly recovering and is now able to talk.

As Easter approaches again, her mother and Northumbria Police are asking people to think back a year ago.

Detective Inspector Dianne Winship, from Newcastle East Area Command, said: "We are keeping an open mind as to how Joanna came about her injuries.

"That time on a Bank Holiday Monday would have been very busy and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen or spoken to Joanna between Newcastle and Byker.

"Someone may remember seeing her walking along the streets or getting into or out of a car."

Ms Pearson's mother, Pauline, said: "Joanna is such a well-liked, sociable young woman who is also very responsible. We are anxious to establish the full account of what happened to her on that night."

She added: "It may seem like a long time ago, but I hope that as the Easter celebrations come round again, people can think back nearly a year and spare a thought for Joanna, her family and friends, whose lives have been traumatised so much in the past 12 months."

Anyone with any information about what happened to Ms Pearsonis asked to contact police on 0191-214 6555.