IT is three years to the day today since York schoolgirl Lizzie Gilmour died in mysterious circumstances on the city's outer ring road.

But the heartache felt by her parents, Dave and Rose, is as evident today as it was the day they heard the tragic news.

The popular 15-year-old Lowfield School pupil, who was a singing talent with her heart set on fame, was run over by a car on the A1237 about a mile from her home in St Stephen's Road, Acomb. But how and why she came to be there has never been fully explained.

Now Mr and Mrs Gilmour, who had separated before Lizzie's death, are hoping that, three years on, someone who holds vital information about the events of that night will speak out.

"We have done our best to pick up the pieces, but we can't grieve properly until we know exactly what happened," said Mrs Gilmour.

Despite a police investigation at the time, in which more than 40 people were spoken to, it was never discovered how she came to be at the spot where she was found dead at 8.20pm or where she had been between then and 6.30pm, when she left home upset after falling out with her boyfriend on the telephone.

An open verdict was recorded at her inquest and York coroner Donald Coverdale highlighted that there were "so many curious aspects" and "unanswered questions" in the case.

Mrs Gilmour said: "I am convinced there are people out there who know what happened that night. Even the smallest thing could help. I can understand them being frightened or confused at the time, but now they are a little bit older and it is time for them to let us know. Even if someone has been keeping something to themselves for all this time, I could find it in my heart to forgive them. Can they live with it on their conscience for the rest of their lives?"

Mr Gilmour said: "I believe in moving on in life for the sake of our family, but the anguish we feel as parents, the void left by losing Lizzie, and the unanswered questions make this task a daily burden which is forever on our minds."

He said the open verdict meant the case was far from closed.

"We will always strive to find out the truth about what really happened.

"There are those who know exactly what occurred. How much longer can they live with their consciences and keep us forever in distress?"

Anyone who has any details of what happened that night can phone Mrs Gilmour on 01904 784124 or contact Tony Tierney at the Evening Press on 01904 653051.

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, January 15, 2003