A young woman who was critically injured in a road accident which killed her mother is making an amazing recovery from her injuries and is now convalescing at home with her family.

Rehana Kauser, 23, and her mother Matloob Bi, 48, were involved in the accident on the A647 Stanningley bypass at around 9pm on Friday, April 25.

Rehana was driving her father's Vauxhall Cavalier with her mother as a passenger when it left the road and collided with a lamppost.

Rehana, who broke her back, today paid tribute to her mother, who she said was her "closest friend."

She only learned of her death when she returned for a home visit last week.

"We were very, very close," said Rehana, speaking from her home in Selborne Terrace, Manningham.

"She was very friendly and wouldn't let me out of her sight. We always did things together - it's like losing a best friend.

"I kept asking about her, but was told she was in another hospital. Then I came home for a visit and my dad told me.

"I was so shocked and didn't believe she had passed away."

When the accident happened, the mother and daughter were returning home after visiting a sick relative at St James's Hospital in Leeds.

After spending nine days in the intensive-care Unit at Leeds General Infirmary following the crash, Rehana was moved to a high-dependency unit for five days before being transferred to a general ward for a week.

The former Belle Vue Girls' School pupil awoke from unconsciousness with her brothers Sajid Akhtar, 26 and Majid Akhtar, 18, by her bedside. She also has a sister, Shabana Akhtar, 16.

She was discharged from hospital last week and must now wear a large metal frame screwed into her skull in four places to keep her back straight. It was fitted while she was unconscious.

Rehana said: "I can't remember anything at all about the accident. I was totally confused when I woke up and saw the head frame. I am very stiff and in a lot of pain.

"I broke my back and three ribs, injured my left leg and was covered in bruises. I have had this metal frame on for four weeks now and have to wear it for another eight weeks.

"Doctors are really happy with my progress. I am lucky considering the injuries I suffered."

Since having the metal frame fitted, Rehana, who has been driving for five years, has been unable to move very far and gets about on crutches.

"For the first two weeks I couldn't even get out of bed and the nurses had to get me up," she said. "They were great. I don't know how to thank them. I am now just looking forward to getting better and getting this thing off my head!"

Rehana's aunt Nasreen Akhtar, 35, said: "I'm still in shock and I can't believe my sister has passed away.

"But I am so proud of Rehana. I lost my sister - I didn't want to lose my niece. Rehana has a second life now and is doing so well."

She will now have weekly check-ups at Leeds General Infirmary and undergo further X-rays after six weeks to see how her back is healing.