A PREGNANT teenager left fighting for life after a car crash is thankful for the "miracle" which will allow her to become a mother in the New Year.

Jade Hopson, 17, of Cotton Court, Colne, was seriously injured in the September 1 crash on the A590 between Bouth and Greenodd in Cumbria, which killed her best friend.

She was in intensive care for two weeks and suffered four fractures of the spine which could have left her paralysed.

But after undergoing severe physical and mental trauma, as well as taking a large number of tablets while she recovers from her injuries, Jade said she was joyous that her unborn baby had survived.

Jade, who has no memory of the crash, is planning to name her baby - due on April 10 -Bradley Ian.

The child will take his middle name from Ian Salton, 30, of Pendlemist View, Colne, who died in the crash.

Jade said: "It is a miracle my baby is still alive.

"He is always moving around, usually when I want to go to sleep.

"The tablets I had to take while I was in hospital and some I have had to take when I got back home don't seem to have affected him.

"I was told that I would not be able to have an epidural when I give birth because of the injuries to my spine, but they have reconsidered and said I should be allowed to have one.

"I don't like pain so I don't know what I would have done if they hadn't changed their minds."

Jade's mum, Lisa Johnson, said: "The midwife said Jade must have had a well established pregnancy as the baby is okay."

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 Mr Salton - who was originally from Barrow - in a river alongside the road.

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

Bird has been charged with taking a vehicle without consent and causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been remanded in custody pending a trial at Preston Crown Court.