SCHOOL pals were today saying prayers for an eight-year-old girl who was left fighting for her life after a road accident.

Chloe Duxbury, of Church Street, Newchurch, was taken to Burnley General Hospital and transferred to Pendlebury Children's Hospital suffering from serious head injuries.

Her condition was described as 'critical but stable'.

Police said Chloe had been playing out with friends when she ran out between parked cars in to the path of a van at the junction of Church Street and St Peter's Road at 6pm on Saturday.

The van had been travelling from the Rawtenstall direction towards Newchurch Road.

A spokesman for the police said: "A Tesco delivery van was travelling along Church Street and as he approached St Peter's Road a child ran out between parked cars and a collision occurred."

The driver of the van was Paul Nightingale, 36, of Clifton Avenue, Accrington.

Chloe's parents, Paul and Linda, were both at the scene, as it happened a short distance from their house, and they accompanied the youngster to hospital.

The couple have kept a vigil at Chloe's bedside.

Neighbours said Mr Duxbury is a lecturer in photography and art at Blackburn College. The couple have two sons who are being looked after by other members of the family.

All three children attended Newchurch CE primary school.

Today prayers for Chloe were said at mid morning assesmbly at the village school, which Chloe attends with brothers Jamie and Kai. .

Head teacher John Ramsbottom said: "I have spoken to Chloe's family and know she is out of intensive care but still very poorly.

"Everyone at school wishes Chloe a speedy recovery. We have offered her family whatever support we can."

Neighbours in the village said they were shocked and sadded to hear about the accident.

One said: 'It has come as a terrible shock and our prayers and thoughts are with Chloe and her family. She is a lovely little girl.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Road Policing Unit at Rawtenstall Police Station on 01706 237464.