TWO teenagers who took part in a "ferocious and brutal," attack which put another girl in hospital, have kept their freedom.

Judge Barbara Watson told the 16 year olds, who cannot be named for legal reasons, they could not have complained if they had been sent to custody but both had personal mitigation which had saved them.

The judge said the assault on the victim was nasty, unprovoked and sustained and carried on while she lay bleeding on the ground, in no position to defend herself.

She added the experience must have been terrifying and the psychological impact on the complainant had been quite significant.

Both 16 year olds, from Rawtenstall, had admitted assault causing actual bodily harm last July.

They were each given 80 hours community punishment and 12 months community rehabilitation.

The court was told the attack took place in a Rossendale hostel.

The victim felt a sharp pain on the back of her head, fell to the floor and was kicked repeatedly.

One of the attackers said she was glad the complainant's nose was bleeding and also shouted she would kill her if nobody stopped her.

The victim was kicked all over and was pulled up by her head which was then let go so it banged on the floor.

Both defendants continued kicking and punching and took turns to pull the victim's head up and hit her in the face.

The complainant lost consciousness and was later taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital. She was kept in for five days and suffered multiple contusions and bruises, a lacerated lip and could not close her jaw properly. The victim was given injections to relieve the pain and could not at first stay still long enough to be X-rayed.

For the first defendant, Tina Landale said the offence was out of character.

Drink was clearly a contributing factor.

The teenager, a socially excluded person and child in need, had found herself living almost alone, without the support of an adult at the time of the offence.

Miss Landale added the defendant, who had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, had stayed out of trouble and realised she had messed her life up. She expressed remorse for what she had done.

Rebecca Lloyd- Smith, defending the second teenager, said she was extremely remorseful and could not believe she had involved herself in such violence.

She was deeply ashamed and the case had come as a complete shock to the defendant and her family.

The girl had a lot going for her. She had 10 GCSEs and references handed to the court on her behalf were glowing.

The proceedings had had a profound effect on the defendant and her court appearance had been a salutary lesson.

Miss Lloyd-Smith added the girl was currently at college and she urged the court to give her one last opportunity.