A COLNE teenager has revealed she "has no memory" of the horrific car crash which claimed the life of her best pal and nearly killed her and her unborn child.

Pregnant 17-year-old Jade Hopson was left fighting for her life after the September 1 crash on the A590 between Bouth and Greenodd in Cumbria.

Speaking publicly for the first time about the crash after returning to her parents' home in Cotton Court, Colne, following a two-week stay in hospital, Jade said "I remember waking up a week after it happened, in hospital. I have no memory of it at all."

She and her boyfriend Benjamin Bird, 29, both of Hargreaves Street, Colne, were pulled out of the remains of the BMW they were in and taken to hospital.

Police divers later found the body of her best friend Ian Salton, 30, of Pendlemist View, Colne - who was originally from Barrow - in a river alongside the road.

It is believed he was thrown from the car in the impact of the crash.

Jade said: "The only thing I remember is going to a pub on Thursday night with Benni, Ian and some friends and this lad, who we didn't even know invited us to his house.

"I don't remember getting into the car.

"The next thing I remember was waking up in hospital a week later. It took the hairdresser seven hours to untangle my hair there was twigs, mud and blood in it, and I was in so much pain."

Jade, who suffered four fractures to the spine three of which could still leave her paralysed has to wear a corset to support her back.

Remarkably, Jade's unborn baby survived the horror crash.

Jade said: "It is a amazing the baby is safe. I don't care what it is as long as it is healthy.

"My mum thinks it's a girl but I think it will be a boy.

"They said I won't be able to have an epidural when I have the baby, I don't like pain."

As a tribute if she has a baby boy Jade - due to give birth on April 13 - will give him Ian as a middle name in tribute to Mr Salton who was going to be the baby's godfather. Jade added: "He was the one person who knew everything about me. I had known him ever since he moved to the neighbourhood. He was one of my best friends.

Jade who must wear a corset over the next few months while her fractures heal, is still hopeful of taking up a catering course place at Nelson College which has been kept open.

Bird has been charged with taking a vehicle without consent and causing death by dangerous driving. He has been remanded in custody pending his trial at Preston Crown Court.