THE headteacher of Park High School in Colne has urged pupils to be more aware of road safety after a 16-year-old pupil collided with a car on the way to school.

Samantha Houston, of Carr Road, suffered a cut head, concussion and a sprained wrist in the incident, which occured in Castle Road at 8.48am yesterday.

The teenager was taken to Burnley General Hospital where she was detained. Her condition is described as comfortable.

Sgt Jim Hoyle said: "She had been walking along the pavement with a group of other schoolgirls and ended up in the road where she was struck by the vehicle. It wasn't the driver's fault. That is all I can say at the moment as inquiries are continuing."

The Volvo involved in the incident was driven by Julia Ingham, 45, of Skipton Old Road.

Headteacher Alan Chambers said: "I think Samantha has been very lucky and we hope she is well and back in school as soon as possible. In a way I hope it has shaken some of the pupils and made them realise the dangers. They have all been very concerned for her and that has been very touching.

"We are forever warning them about being careful when crossing roads. I think the safety of pupils on the way to and from school is a shared responsibility between parents and pupils.

"We often ask parents in our newsletters to support us in reminding their children of sensible crossing of the roads.

"The accident outside Primet Primary School not so long ago should be a reminder to everyone as the little boy involved in that was actually doing everything right.

"I will support any activities or appeals to increase young people's awareness of road safety."