A TEENAGER is recovering in hospital after being knocked down by a car outside her school.

The 16-year-old, who has not been named, suffered serious head injuries after she stepped into the path of an on-coming vehicle outside Bishop Barrington School, Bishop Auckland, on Monday evening.

Police said although her injuries were described as serious they were not believed to be life threatening.

The female driver of the car was said to be shocked but not hurt. Woodhouse Lane, outside the school, was closed for just over an hour.

The girl had stayed behind at school to work and the accident happened at about 5.10pm. She was taken to Dar*ington Memorial Hospital's High Dependency Unit where she is said to be stable.

Headteacher Bruce Guthrie said that everyone had been shocked by the accident.

He said: "The young girl, who was injured is such a smashing kid, who is so well liked by staff and pupils.

"She is working really hard towards her GCSE's which is why she had stayed back at school.

"Our thoughts are with her and her family."

Mr Guthrie praised the emergency services and his staff for their quick response to the accident.