A DEVASTATED mother has spoken of her grief after her daughter was killed running across a busy motorway while playing a game of dare.

Chelsea Hartigan, aged 12, was hit by two cars as she tried to run on to the northbound carriageway of the M61, near Farnworth.

Her mother Leisha, speaking at the inquest into Chelsea's death, said her daughter was "a bubbly little girl who always had a smile on her face."

Mrs Hartigan, and Chelsea's stepdad Paul Sellers, say they will never forget her.

The inquest heard how Chelsea had been with her friend Zoe Gibbons, aged 14, on the evening of February 25 at about 6.35pm. In a statement read out to the inquest, Zoe told how the pair had walked across a field and crossed a bridge on to a golf course next to the motorway.

They sat on some steps chatting before climbing the fence to the motorway embankment.

Chelsea, who had mentioned watching others run across the carriageway, dared herself to run across the carriageway.

Zoe tried to hold her back but Chelsea broke free when she thought she saw a gap in the traffic.

A Land Rover Freelander that was travelling in the outside lane hit Chelsea who was knocked into the middle of the motorway. A Rover coming up behind tried to swerve but ended up running over the youngster's body.

Chelsea was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital suffering multiple injuries, but was pronounced dead on arrival at 6.55pm.

Police evidence showed that the stretch of motorway was unlit and that it was getting dark. The court it would have been almost impossible for drivers to have seen her.

Now Chelsea's parents want to warn children about the dangers of playing near motorways and are calling on the Highways Authorities to make the area where Chelsea was killed, safer.

Mr Sellers said: "I'd like to see the lighting improved because there's a four mile stretch of unlit carriageway.

"And the fence is just like a ladder that children can easily climb over. Kids are naturally inquisitive."

Coroner Jennifer Leeming, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, said she would report their concerns to the Highways Authority and would contact Chelsea's family when she received a response.

Mr Sellers said: "We used to tell Chelsea to take care when crossing the road. We can't understand why a girl who used to cling on to your shirt when she got near a road would suddenly decide to run across six lanes of a busy motorway."

The 12-year-old attended Harper Green Secondary School and was buried in her uniform.

Mrs Hartigan said: "She was liked at school and constantly had a smile on her face. It was fantastic to see the amount of cards and well wishes. It's terrible for us all and we're still grieving for her. We'll never forget Chelsea."