TRAGIC youngster Daniel Curtin has saved the lives of three children.

The eight-year-old died at the James Cook University Hospital, in Midlesbrough, on Thursday night, after he sustained head injuries when he was hit by a stolen car in the town.

His mother, Clare, donated his heart, kidneys and liver for transplants.

The organs have already been used in separate life-saving operations.

Lynne Holt, the transplant co-ordinator at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, said: "It is great that this little boy has managed to save three lives.

"It is an amazing act of generosity for the family to think of others in their time of grief.

"It will help to know that some good has come out of tragedy. I cannot underestimate how grateful the hospital is."

Ms Holt called for more awareness of organ donation.

She said: "As parents, we never imagine that our children will die before us.

"When organ donation is discussed, you normally think about your partner; someone of the same age, not young people. This year, we lost one child waiting for a transplant.

"We have ten children on our list; three waiting for lungs and seven waiting for hearts."

Daniel was knocked over while playing with friends near his home, in Riverside Park, in the Newport area of town, on May 16.

Five people were in the Rover Metro that hit Daniel on a cycle path. Police are considering whether to charge a 15-year-old with causing death by dangerous driving.