FRIENDS of a 14-year-old girl who died following a road crash have banded together to stage a karaoke night - to raise cash for her gravestone.

Nicola Wiggins died in hospital ten days after the accident, between Stanley and Chester-le-Street, in County Durham.

She was buried at a packed service, in St Peter's Church, Sacriston, last week.

But, said close friend Alan Cooper, 19, her parents were not able to pay for a gravestone.

Mr Cooper, of Tantobie, near Stanley, who looked after Nicola's pet lizard when she could no longer keep it in her house, said: "She was such a lovely person, and liked by everybody.

"Her parents are unable to afford the gravestone, and we would like to help them. We feel it will be a fitting tribute."

Mr Cooper, who is being helped by Michael Natrass to organise the event, said any money left over would be given to the Big Issue magazine, in recognition of the concern Nicola showed for the less fortunate.

The event will be held in the Red Lion, Chester-le-Street, from 7pm to 11pm, on September 27. Entrance is £2 for adults and £1 for children, with a raffle included.

A free buffet will be provided, courtesy of Tanfield Catering, with Ultimate Events providing the disco and karaoke.

Police are investigating the crash, which happened 200 yards from the High Handenhold fire station, at about 6.15pm on August 16.

The male driver of a Citroen Xantia, in which Nicola was travelling, was taken to the University Hospital in Durham with minor injuries, but was later released.

The driver of the other car was also taken to hospital and later released.

Nicola's parents, June and Tony, were at her bedside when she died in Newcastle General Hospital.