A MUM has described the heart-stopping moment her daughter was knocked down by a car in Abbey Meads.

Vikki McNeil, seven, had returned home to Stewart Close, Abbey Meads, after a shopping trip to buy new school shoes when she ran into the path of the Ford Fiesta driven by a 26-year-old Abbey Meads woman.

Though the youngster lapsed into unconsciousness at Swindon's Great Western Hospital, where she stayed overnight on Tuesday, it is thought she is on track to make a full recovery.

Her condition on the GWH children's ward is comfortable and stable today.

Mum Sheila McNeil, 36, a pre-school assistant, said: "My husband John had come home early and Vikki was excited. She got out of the car and ran across the road but unfortunately a car was coming down the road.

"I couldn't believe it. I didn't actually see it because I was scrabbling about with my handbag, but Vikki and her ten-year-old sister Rebecca have got out of the car like that thousands of times."

As her husband rushed outside Mrs McNeil dialled 999.

"Vikki was with us and making a moaning noise," she said. "We took her from the middle of the road and the police and ambulance arrived straight away."

Vikki, who suffered a head injury when she hit the offside of the Fiesta, was taken to GWH but lapsed into unconsciousness.

Mrs McNeil said: "I went with her and at first she was responding to my voice. But when we arrived at the hospital she couldn't let the doctors and nurses know what was happening and she deteriorated."

Vikki had a scan, with Mrs McNeil at her side, before being taken to the hospital's intensive care unit about 10.30pm.

"Vikki had been heavily sedated but they said they were going to bring her round," Mrs McNeil said. "I went to the rest room and at 4.30am she came round, though she was sleepy.

"I can't thank the staff at that hospital enough. Everybody was absolutely fantastic. They've got a great team down there and I'm just so grateful. If they hadn't been there I don't like to think what would have happened.

"All that I could think of was would she wake up? I stayed at the hospital all night and my husband and other daughter have been with her in the day. They are coping very well. Vikki will be kept in 24 hours for observation but apart from a head injury, badly swollen ankle and bruising she should make a full recovery."

Mrs McNeil stressed that the Fiesta was not speeding, but she urged drivers to observe the speed limit and parents to push home road safety to youngsters.

She added: "We always say stop, look and listen, but children can get so excited."

Sergeant Colin Conway, of Swindon Traffic Police, said: "The lady driving the car was obviously very shocked and concerned. Speed wasn't a factor and a breathalyser test proved negative.

"We are happy to say that the child is showing better signs today."