North-East charity campaigner and model Heather Mills, who lost part of her leg in a road accident, launched a free accident line for victims of personal injury yesterday.

Heather, 32, who was brought up in Washington, Tyne and Wear, threw herself into charity work after she was hit by a police motorcycle answering a 999 call in London seven years ago.

Now romantically involved with Sir Paul McCartney, she still works for the charity she set up, the Heather Mills Trust, which raises money to provide false limbs for war amputees, landmine victims and disabled people in the Third World.

She said yesterday: ''I receive literally thousands of calls, letters and e-mails from distressed accident victims seeking my help, so I am very pleased to lend my support to Accident Line.

''People who have suffered injury have the reassurance that there is a scheme designed for them that is endorsed by the Law Society.

''Now we have to ensure that as many people as possible know that this service is there for them when they need it.''

Accident Line offers a free service that puts accident victims in touch with a leading firm of solicitors experienced in personal injury law. The Freephone number for Accident Line is 0800 19 29 39