THE parents of a teenage girl who died after a road accident took their campaign for a safe crossing to Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday.

Sarah Temple 16, died in June, two days after being struck by two cars on the A167, near the Gretna Green pub, in Newton Aycliffe.

The couple started collecting names in the hope they could help prevent another tragedy on the road.

Yesterday, Stephen and Brenda Temple visited Mr Blair at his home in Trimdon, to deliver a 9,000- name petition calling for safety measures on the road.

The Sedgefield MP vowed to do all he could to support the family's call for improvements to the A167.

He said Sarah's death was a terrible tragedy, but what was remarkable about the family was their efforts to ensure that something good was achieved in the wake of it.

"The number of people who have supported their campaign makes it clear how big a problem this road is," Mr Blair said.

"I will see what I can do about this and certainly pass this petition on to the appropriate people. It is such a simple thing to do. I hope it helps."

Mrs Temple said that the community and Sarah's friends from Woodham Community Technology College had been a great support to the family but that their main aim was to ensure her life was not lost in vain.

She said: "We are very grateful to Mr Blair for giving us time to explain why action needs to be taken on the road. We hope that as our Sedgefield MP and Prime Minister he will add more weight to the petition.

"Sarah was such a loving person. She would have done anything to help anyone. We feel that by calling for safety measures, possibly a Puffin crossing, we are doing just as she would have done. If someone she knew died, I know she would have done the same."

Mr Temple said: "I have lived in Aycliffe all of my life and have always known how dangerous the road is. It was an accident waiting to happen."

The petition will be sent to Durham County Council, which is looking at ways of improving safety on the road. Any decisions will be made after an inquest into Sarah's death.