A SCHOOLGIRL has died in a road accident in North Yorkshire despite the efforts of a passing off-duty firefighter to save her.

The accident, in which the 13-year-old pedestrian was hit by a Blue Vauxhall Astra car, occurred a little after 4.30pm yesterday on the A170 Scarborough to Thirsk road at the staggered crossroads at the turn-off to Sinnington.

A fire service spokeswoman said an off-duty firefighter saw the girl on his way to work in Pickering and stopped to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until paramedics arrived.

However, despite his actions, the girl did not survive.

It is believed the girl was crossing the road when the accident occurred. The road was shut for more than five hours and diversions were put in place while accident investigators examined the scene.

An Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "A 13-year-old girl has died. Paramedics were called at 4.38pm to an accident involving a car and a pedestrian on the A170 Pickering to Helmsley road. The girl was the pedestrian. One ambulance and one officer from Tees and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended."

Control room Inspector Mike Thompson, of Scarborough Police, said: "A pedestrian, a young female, was knocked down by a motor car. She died at the scene."

He said a family liaison officer had been appointed to help relatives.

A Fire Service spokeswoman said: "Three fire engines went - from Kirkbymoorside, Pickering and Malton. An off-duty firefighter gave mouth-to-mouth to the casualty until the ambulance arrived. He was first on the scene and was a trained first-aider."

She said three engines were sent because Pickering and Kirkbymoorside stations were closest to the scene, but Malton crews had enhanced cutting equipment. She said they did not know what to expect when the alarm was raised, but the cutting equipment was not needed.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information about the accident should phone PC Neil Rees on 01723 509555.

Updated: 09:50 Saturday, November 26, 2005