TWO young boys watched in horror as their 38-year-old mother was killed after being hit by a sand yacht as they walked on the beach.

Carol Cruz, of Kingsbury Place, Burnley, was hit by the yacht as she walked along the St Annes shore on Saturday afternoon.

The sand yacht was taking part in an organised open competition with the Fylde International Sand Yacht Club close to St Anne's Pier.

The driver of the sand yacht, who has not been named by police, was not arrested although he is helping police with their inquiries.

Forensic experts were due to carry out tests on the yacht and the Health and Safety Executive is investigating.

Carol, a teaching assistant, who had been due to start work again at St Hilda's RC High School, Coal Clough Lane, Burnley todayafter the traditional summer break, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital with a broken back.

Police said her legs were severed in the accident. She died of her injuries.

Carol's neighbours in Kingsbury Place, Lanehead, described their shock at the tragedy.

Neighbour Sheila Riley, who lives across from Carol's home, said: "I knew her for over 15 years, since she first moved in.

"It is terrible. She used to be in and out of our house all the time. I can't believe it has happened to her."

Her husband, Alan, described Carol as a "beautiful woman and a wonderful mother."

Another neighbour and friend Mary McDervitt had also worked with Carol's mother.

She said: "She was a nice quiet lady. They are a lovely family.

"She was a smashing woman, they are nice people."

Sand yachts are raced regularly on beaches throughout the north west and can reach up to 70 miles per hour.

Paula Leah, from the Sand Yacht Club, declined to comment but confirmed the competition was an open meet but was not part of the British Championship Series which the club also hosts.

Police are liaising with members of a club and are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Superintendent Paul Buschini said: "I would like to hear from anyone who actually saw the collision on Saturday to come forward and speak to us at Blackpool police station.

Anyone with information should call 01253 293933.

Shocked staff at St Hilda's RC High School, held a special prayer service today for their valued member of staff.

Today was the first day back after the summer holiday and each year group held special prayers for Carol at their own assemblies.

Headteacher Bernadette Bleasdale said the news had absolutely devastated staff.

She said: "Carol was a lovely person who would do anything for anyone and had a lovely relationship with the children, nothing as too much trouble.

"She had worked at the school as a support assistant for just over a year.

"She idolised her two boys and in conversations with her she was a very private person but those two boys were her life. It is horrendous.

"She supported children with difficulties, with learning difficulties.

"She would spend lunchtimes helping children with their reading and she really fitted in well and was a fully-fledged member of staff.

"I think I am right in saying she enjoyed working at the school and she had such a lovely way with her she really fitted in well.

"Staff are in a state of shock.

"We will be sending our sympathies to the family."