THE family of road victim Natalie Pickwick-Jones has won a civil claim against the driver whose car knocked her down.

The 15-year-old Radcliffe High schoolgirl died in February last year after the collision in Bolton Road.

Parents David and Elaine Jones, of Olsberg Close, Radcliffe, lodged the civil case two months later.

But it was not until a jury at Bolton Crown Court cleared the driver, Paul Madeley, of causing death by dangerous driving in November last year, that the civil proceedings were started.

On Thursday, the couple, who are expecting their second child at the end of this month, were told that their claim in relation to the estate of Natalie had been settled, with 80 per cent of the blame being attached to the driver.

The payout will run into several thousands of pounds, although it has yet to be assessed.

Mr Jones said that no amount of money would ease the pain of losing Natalie.

Speaking after hearing the judgement, he said: "We are really pleased that we have won the claim. We felt that the crown court judgement was a miscarriage of justice, the law failed our beautiful daughter, and it upset all our family and friends.

"Winning this claim will never bring Natalie back, but it will give the baby sister she always wanted, who will soon be here, the best start in life. It is some justice for that dreadful night."

The couple plan to spend some of the money on their new arrival. They say they will also donate a share of the compensation to RoadPeace, the charity which they have supported since the death of Natalie.

Mr and Mrs Jones have campaigned since the end of the criminal trial to make roads safer in the borough. They were successful in their fight to have a speed camera erected on Bolton Road, near to the junction of Canute Street, where Natalie was knocked down. They also helped to launch a new national road safety campaign for the group Brake, last month.

Mr Tim Woods, from Carl Chapman Solicitors in Bolton, who has been representing the Jones family, said: "The civil claim has been settled with the majority of the blame being attached to the driver. I think this is because this was a densely built-up area where many people where known to frequent both during the day and in the evening. He was also driving at a grossly excessive speed - nearly twice the legal speed limit for the road - and was driving near a pelican crossing.

"The reduction to 80 per cent would be because Natalie acted on impulse as she crossed the road."