TWO girls have been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being knocked over outside their school.

The children, both pupils at North Durham Academy, in Stanley, have been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for treatment.

The accident happened as the children, both from South Stanley, attempted to cross the busy A693 Chester Road outside the school at around 8.10am today.

As they crossed near the Jet Garage, they were hit by a red Hyundai i20 heading towards Chester-le-Street.

Police confirmed that one of the girls suffered a broken hip and head injuries, while the other had suffered a broken leg. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

The driver, a local woman aged 61 was unhurt and will be interviewed by police later.

PC Peter Taylor, of Durham Police, said: “It’s thought the incident happened as the girls were crossing the road to buy items from the shop at the garage.

“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.”

A spokesman for the academy said: “Both students have been taken to the RVI to be treated for their injuries “Parents and a member of the academy staff are with them at the hospital.

“Our sincere thanks to all the staff both from the academy, the garage and the local bus depot for arriving quickly, alerting the emergency services and comforting the students and their families.

“Our thoughts are with the two students and their families, we wish them both a speedy recovery”.

The road was closed to traffic for around an hour.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Durham Police on 101.