THREE fun-loving North-East friends are pictured out celebrating Millennium Eve.

But just months on, two are dead and the third left devastated after diving out of the path of a car, which mounted the pavement, mowing down her pals.

Louise Tinkler, 28, only escaped injury by scrambling desperately up a five and a half foot wall, managing to fling herself inches out of the car's way.

Back safely at her family home in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, last night, she told of her feelings of guilt that she escaped unscathed while her best pal Angela Ovington, a 28-year-old teacher from Chester-le-Street, and close friend, Internet worker Susan Briggs, 30 and from Durham City, were both killed.

Another friend, Victoria Fisher, was critically injured in the accident, which happened in Huddersfield late on Monday night.

The four stared in disbelief as a white BMW careered out of control then screamed towards them.

Louise saw Angela hit full-on by the car as she walked with Susan.

But a split second later Louise had to jump for her own life.

She watched in horror as the car continued after hitting her friend and headed straight for her and Victoria.

The pair tried desperately to climb the wall behind them and reach safety.

Louise said: "We were walking back from the pub after having a few drinks because we had been helping Angela and Susan move into their house all day.

"We didn't have anywhere to go, there was only us between the car and the wall.

"I feel terrible today to be like this, with no injuries at all, especially when Victoria is still fighting for her life."

She added: "We had all been friends for years and I had known Angela about 18 years - we were best friends from our first day at secondary school."

Angela's father, Raymond Ovington, talked about his daughter yesterday.

Mr Ovington, of Vigo, near Chester-le-Street, said: "Angela and Susan were very good friends and were just enjoying life. She loved working with children."

Ms Briggs' parents travelled to Huddersfield yesterday to collect their daughter's personal belongings.

l The 39-year-old driver of the car involved was released on bail by West Yorkshire Police yesterday, pending further inquiries