A TEENAGER was recovering in hospital last night after she was 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 oncoming vehicle outside Bishop Barrington School, Bishop Auckland, at about 5.10pm on Monday evening. Police said her injuries were serious, but were not believed to be life-threatening.

The female driver was said to be shocked but not hurt and Woodhouse Lane, outside the school, was closed for about an hour.

The girl was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital's High Dependency Unit where she was said to be stable last night.

A family friend said: "Obviously, we are all concerned but she is stable and doing well.''

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 GCSEs, which is why she had stayed back at school. Everyone has had a real shock. Our thoughts are with her and her family.''

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