THE heartbroken parents of a Bury schoolgirl, killed as she crossed the M66 on Friday (April 7), are mystified as to why their daughter was on the motorway.

They paid tribute to Roxanne Lucy Nicholson describing her as "the best daughter in the world".

On Monday (April 10), Roxanne's school, Broad Oak High, held a special assembly in memory of the Year Nine pupil.

Roxanne (pictured), died instantly in front of horrified pals after being hit by a car travelling southbound just before Junction Two at Heap Bridge.

Her body was taken to Bury General Hospital and then to Fairfield Hospital. Police closed the motorway for two hours while they investigated the incident. The driver of the car was unhurt.

Mum, Mrs Angela Nicholson (32) told the Bury Times: " I know she was not playing chicken, that would have been completely out of character. She was far too sensible to do anything like that,". The teenager, known as Rocky to her friends and family, lived on Holly Street, Bury, with her parents and step-brother Ben (15), who is a pupil at Woodhey High School, before moving to Dunblane Grove in Heywood, six months ago. She had celebrated her 14th birthday last Sunday, on Mother's Day. "She was a kind and considerate teenager, well-behaved, well-mannered, very mature for her age. Rocky was very popular with everyone, both at home and in school. She did not deserve to die," said Mrs Nicholson.

The death is the second tragedy to hit the Nicholson family within two years. Mrs Nicholson tragically lost Roxanne's unborn sister when she was eight-and-a-half months pregnant.

"Rocky was so looking forward to the birth of her sister, she was devastated when we lost Beth. Now we have lost our baby, Rocky."

Head teacher, Mr Andrew Mackenzie added: "Her tragic death is a dreadful loss and pupils, staff and governors extend their sympathy to Roxanne's family and friends."

He added: "As a school we are well aware of the dangers presented by the closeness of the motorway to houses where many of our pupils live. We are keen to do all we can to help to ensure that there is not a repetition of this tragic event.,"