FAMILY and friends held a candlelit vigil in the centre of Radcliffe to mark the birthday of a tragic road accident victim Natalie Danielle Pickwick Jones.

The teenager died after a collision in Bolton Road in February, and would have celebrated her 16th birthday on Tuesday.

Last Friday night, about 60 people, including her parents, David Jones and Elaine Pickwick, of Olsberg Close, Radcliffe, gathered at the site where Natalie died, to light candles in her memory.

Flowers, letters and teddy bears were laid beneath the window of the Chefs Pantry sandwich shop, at the junction of Canute Street, where friends have been leaving flowers since Natalie's death.

Mr Jones said: "The people at the shop have been very understanding, and allowed us to hold the candle-lighting outside. It was sad to be there, but all Natalies friends turned up and lit candles for her. It was lovely."

The family also held a party for family and friends to celebrate the youngster's birthday on Saturday night.

More than 100 people gathered at St Philips Community Centre, in Radcliffe, to celebrate Natalie's 16th birthday and also to raise money for RoadPeace - a charity which helps the families of road accident victims. The family has already collected £600 for the charity, with more due to be handed to the family this week.

Mr Jones said: "We had a lovely night. There were a lot of tears and some laughter. A friend of Natalie's, Laura Hutchinson, got up during the evening to make a speech about Natalie and also read a poem. Natalie would have been so proud that her friends made so much effort for her."

Her parents have supported RoadPeace since Natalie's death, after they were offered support and advice from the group.

A RoadPeace plaque in Natalie's memory has been place near the site of the tragedy.