THE teenage girl who survived a road accident which claimed the lives of her younger brother and father has spoken publicly for the first time to thank the emergency services.

Emma Thacker, of Kidderm-inster, said she was "really grateful" and praised the County Air Ambulance crew who airlifted her from the crash scene and the police, firefighters and hospital staff for their response.

The 15-year-old, who is planning to launch a singing career, was a passenger in the car which crashed, claiming the lives of her 10-year-old brother, Matty, and her father, John, who was driving the vehicle.

Recalling last October's accident on the A456 near Hodgehill Nurseries, in which she broke her pelvis, she said: "It was all a bit of a blur."

She added: "I have met with some of the policemen because I wanted to thank them personally for looking after me."

Miss Thacker has now been invited by the organisers of a fashion show at Tribe nightclub in Green Street, Kidderminster, on Sunday, to help raise money for two good causes including the air ambulance.

The proceeds will be split between the helicopter service and town businessman Steve Mitchell's treatment for a rare tumour.

He said he was "humbled" by the organisers' efforts.

Miss Thacker, a pupil at Holy Trinity School, Kidderminster, said she had always been a "positive person" but the loss of her much-loved brother and father had spurred her to do more.

She explained: "The thing that upsets me is that I am doing all of these things now, raising money, but I want them to be here seeing me do it."

The budding singer produced a charity CD of cover versions last year which she is hoping to sell at the fashion event.

Wyre Forest hair and beauty salons and Red Clothing have joined forces to organise the pay-on-the-night event, from 7.30pm, which will include hairstyling demonstrations and a catwalk show.

Miss Thacker, whose mother Susie will be in the audience, will make an appearance on stage, as will a George Michael tribute act with music by DJs Champagne Sushi during the show and after-party.

Staff from Lacy's Hair and Beauty, Hair Lounge, Maya Hairdressing and Mr Mitchell's clothing retailer Red are working free to put on the show.

Vesna Flynn, who own's Lacy's where Miss Thacker has her hair styled and by coincidence was an eyewitness to the fatal road accident, encouraged people to support the two good causes.

"It's going to be a really good night and Champagne Sushi will pack the place," she said. "From the feedback we have had people are already really buzzing about it."

More details can be obtained by calling 01562 69494.