A HEADTEACHER has called for a 20mph speed limit outside school after two girls were knocked down and seriously hurt today (Wednesday, October 15).

The pupils, aged 11 and 13-years old, were struck by a car a few hundred yards from a pedestrian crossing days away from completion outside North Durham Academy, in Stanley, County Durham.

They were taken to Newcastle’ Royal Victoria Infirmary, where they are being treated for injuries.

Academy principal David Thornton said: “When we opened the academy we identified that road as being a real concern and we lobbied Durham County Council to install a crossing – and they responded to that.

“It was installed over the summer holiday, but is not yet operational.

“In my opinion there should be 20mph zone outside the school. Following the accident this morning we will look at lobbying for a lower speed limit.”

The accident happened as the children, both from South Stanley, tried to cross the busy A693 Chester Road near the school to reach the Jet garage at around 8.10am.

As they crossed, they were involved in a collision with a red Hyundai i20 heading towards Chester-le-Street.

Teaching staff, garage workers and staff at the Go North East Stanley bus depot rushed to help give first aid and control the traffic, until emergency services arrived.

Claire Thompson, who works at the academy’s hair and beauty salon, was one of the first at the scene. She said: “I saw the two girls lying on the ground as I drove towards the academy. One of them was lying in the road and the other on the pavement.

“I parked up quickly and ran over to them did what I could to comfort them. They were both conscious, but in a lot of pain.”

Mr Thornton said: “The woman from the Jet garage and workers from the bus depot were superb. We also sent some trained first aiders across to help until the paramedics came.

“People were calm and they were organised, giving support to girls and to the driver of the car who was also in shock. Our sincere thanks go to them all."

Police confirmed the 11-year-old girl suffered a broken hip and head injuries, while the 13-year-old girl suffered a broken leg. The driver, a local woman aged 61 was unhurt.

PC Peter Taylor said: “We are grateful for the help given by staff from the academy, Stanley bus depot and the garage who cordoned off the scene very quickly and gave basic first aid before the emergency services arrived.”

Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager at Durham County Council, said: “We were very concerned to hear about the accident and we wish both pupils involved a speedy recovery.

“We are already in the process of installing a pedestrian crossing outside the school. Our specialist contractors are finalising the works and the lights will be in operation in the next couple of days.”

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101.