A MEMORIAL stone is to be dedicated to a tragic 12-year-old girl who died crossing a motorway.

Chelsea Hartigan died last month after being struck by four cars as she attempted to cross the busy northbound carriageway of the M61 near junction four at Farnworth.

The Harper Green Secondary School pupil had been attempting to cross the motorway from the Farnworth side towards the central reservation, near to a footbridge near Lucas Road, New Bury, on February 25.

Her 14-year-old friend Zoe Gibbons looked on in horror.

Chelsea's school is planning to dedicate a stone in their memorial garden to commemorate the youngster, who was described as being a valuable member of the Farnworth school.

Headteacher Peter Jefferies said they may have other forms of memorials to Chelsea depending upon what her family would like to do.

He said: "A memorial stone will be going in our memorial garden. There will be other memorials to her but I need to speak to her family before I can say anymore about that.

"A lot of money has been collected by the students so there might be something else that we can do. It's still very early to say."

A number of staff and children are planning to go to Chelsea's funeral tomorrow.

Mr Jefferies has described Chelsea's death as a tragic waste.

When news of her death was announced distressed pupils were allowed to go home for the day and a place was made available in the library were distraught youngsters could find support.

The cortege will leave The Private Chapel, Hamers Funeral Home at 10.20 am, for service at St Augustine's Church at 10.30 am, prior to interment at Tonge Cemetery at 11.30 am.

Flowers and all inquiries to Fred Hamer Funeral Service, 243/245 Tonge Moor Road, Bolton. Telephone 365501.