A SCHOOL is to consider extending its lollipop lady service after a pupil was knocked down on her way home from choir practice.

Nine-year-old Charlie Abbott, a pupil at Intack Primary School, Blackburn, was hit by a truck after having to cross busy Whitebirk Road on her own.

Her mother, Maria, 30, has called on education bosses to extend the crossing service for pupils who stay behind at the end of the day.

And today head teacher David Crowther said extending the crossing service was a good idea and he would make it a top priority.

Charlie, of Devon Road, is being kept off school with leg and head injuries until next week and said the accident. on Tuesday scared her.

She said: "I was scared, I can't even remember what happened it was over too quick. I feel safe when someone is there to help me."

Her mother added: "The lollipop lady leaves at 3.30 but every night there are after school activities until four and they are left to cross the busy road alone.

"Someone needs to wake up and realise that this was an accident waiting to happen. She is lucky that she is alright."

Mrs Abbott said illegally parked cars were another issue and urged the council to crack down on parking outside her daughter's school.

She said: "This is the last straw. It has been going on ever since Charlie started at the school it is just not safe. People park where they shouldn't and the children are only left with a small space to cross the road. It is so dangerous."

Mr Crowther said they would be making supervision of children following after-school activities a top priority.

He said: "I think it would be a very good idea indeed for the lollipop lady to be at school longer and it would be something we will be looking at closely.

"We are very thankful that Charlie is OK but we urge parents to remind their children that we ask them to stay inside school following after-school activities until they are collected by their parents."

Coun Andy Kay, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "We regret that this accident has taken place and wish the child a speedy recovery.

"The school crossing patrollers are there to assist parents and guardians in getting their child safely across the road.

"They are on duty at times to suit school opening hours.

"The council is taking over parking enforcement from the police.

"We will be enforcing regulations particularly around schools.

"There are restrictions around the entrance to Intack School."