TEENAGER Rachel Ross was killed as she crossed the road while on a shopping trip for a birthday treat for her brother.

An inquest heard yesterday how Rachel, 16, of Park Road, Prestwich, was crossing Peel Way in Bury on March 2 when she was in an accident with a car.

She was taken to Bury General Hospital with extensive injuries to her head and body, and transferred to the neurological unit at the Royal Preston, where she later died.

Coroner Barrie Williams heard how Rachel had been shopping at Tesco on the new Woodfields Retail Park and was returning to Bury Grammar School when the accident happened at 1.30pm.

She was crossing Peel Way, where the speed limit is 40mph, at a junction regularly used by pedestrians.

The Peugeot 106 involved in the accident was driven by James Edward Darlington, 20, of Carrwood Hey, Ramsbottom.

Witness Susan Woods, of Booth Way, Tottington, said she was standing on the central reservation with her son when the collision occurred.

She said: "I heard the screech of tyres and looked in the direction of the noise, and I saw the Peugeot in the lane nearest to me.

"I can't remember seeing the girl until the point of impact. "

Experts have been unable to establish whether Rachel had been within the designated crossing area when the collision took place.

Police accident investigator Philip Sargent estimated that the car has been travelling along the road, which was damp with rain, at 47 mph before the collision.

A passenger in the Peugeot claimed a red van on the inside lane had obstructed Mr Darlington's view of the pedestrian.

In a statement to Pc Derek Baird of Bury traffic unit, Mr Darlington said he believed he had good road sense, helped by the fact that he is also a qualified motorcyclist.

Pc Baird said he had seen several near misses on Peel Way involving youngsters taking chances and running across the road.

Rachel was described as a "gifted pupil", both academically and musically.

In recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Williams said the junction was a difficult one for both pedestrians and drivers.

He added: "Rachel was shopping in time when she was entitled to be out of school and in no great hurry to return. She had no reason not to use the crossing, but there is evidence that she did not do so.

Mr Darlington, who will face a charge of driving without due care and attention, declined to give evidence at the inquest.

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