FLORAL tributes adorn the roadside where a 13-year-old girl was killed and her friend seriously injured after a car ploughed into them.
But one stood out from all the rest. It read simply: "Carla, You're our beauty queen. We love you more than we can say, love mum
and dad." Mr and Mrs Bate were too upset to talk as dozens of bouquets and bunches of flowers from friends and family were attached to the railings close to the spot where Carla died.
Celina, Carla's sister, left a message that read: "To my little sister, u r a star and I will always be with u. Lots of hugs and kisses."
And another message read: "Carla, you were always full of life, never let anything bother you and now you've been taken away from us. You will always be in our hearts."
Carla's friend, Leanne Keegan, also aged 13, is still fighting for her life. The girls were hit by a Toyota MR2 sports car on Sunday evening. It was travelling along Albert Road when it collided with a parked Audi.
The impact caused the Toyota to spin round into the traffic lights before ploughing into the girls who were standing at the junction of Albert Road and Longcauseway, Farnworth.
A 35-year-old man, and two boys believed to be 14, were arrested shortly after the accident.
The boys were released on Monday night but the man remains in police custody. Police were due to apply to magistrates for extra time for further questioning.
Leanne suffered serious head and pelvic injuries and her parents are keeping a vigil at her bedside at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury.
Both girls were pupils at Harper Green School, Farnworth.
Friends and relatives called at Carla's home on Primrose Avenue, Farnworth, throughout the day to offer their condolences to her distraught parents.
Leanne's family, who live in Aster Avenue, Farnworth, were waiting for news. Her grandparents were too upset to comment, but a neighbour said: "It was a huge shock to hear about the accident. They are both hugely popular girls who spent a lot of time with the children around here. Everyone is just desperately hoping that Leanne pulls through."
Peter Jefferies, headteacher at Harper Green School said: "The school is very, very, sorry to hear this tragic news. Our hearts go out to Carla's family and friends at this sad time.
"The death of Carla is a tragic waste of a young, lively life and she will be very much missed.
"Our thoughts are with Leanne's family and we wish her all the very best for a strong and speedy recovery."
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