A TEENAGE girl who was driving a car involved in a fatal road accident has given others the chance of life after dying in hospital.

Gemma Louise Cowburn, 19, of Radfield Road, Darwen, was behind the wheel of a black Peugeot 205 GTi when it spun out of control on the A59 at Samlesbury in the early hours of Saturday.

Her friend, Tina Clarke, also 19, of Clement Street, Darwen, died after being thrown from the front seat of the vehicle as it crashed and rolled over several times.

Gemma was taken to Royal Preston Hospital in a critical condition and died last night.

But a hospital spokesman today confirmed that her family had given permission for all her suitable organs, including her eyes, heart and kidneys, to be made avilable for transplant.

Three male passengers from Darwen were also injured in the accident, which happened near the junction with Vicarage Lane, at 3am.

Keith Walsh, 19, of Rydal Avenue, suffered a fractured skull as well as head and neck injuries. He was stable in hospital today.

Christopher John Bentley, 18, of Earnsdale Road, and Simon Lee Taylor, also 18, of Mersey Avenue, were both released after treatment.

Police investigating the accident have now spoken to the driver of a yellow Mark III Ford Escort seen in the area.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact police on 01772 433561.

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