Girl, 15, struck by a car in Walton-le-Dale, dies
A teenage girl died when she was hit by a car on a dual carriageway in Lancashire on Sunday evening.
Rebecca Smith, 15, was struck by a Toyota Avensis at about 21:50 BST while crossing London Road in Walton-le-Dale.
The teenager was treated by paramedics but pronounced dead at the scene.
The road was closed for three hours while police investigated the accident. The driver of the Avensis stopped at the scene.
Rebecca's mother, Nicola Smith, paid tribute to her daughter.
"Rebecca was my only daughter; she loved a giggle and a joke," she said.
"She was a happy girl. Her favourite hobby was horse riding and she owned a horse called Ffion, they made a good pair. So much so that she recently came third in the Welsh class."
"Rebecca attended Lostock Hall Academy and I am sure her friends there will be as devastated as I am," she added.
Sergeant Malcolm Bello of Lancashire Police said: "This is a tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of such a young life.
"An investigation is now under way and I would appeal to anybody who witnessed the collision to contact police."