A MOTHER whose son died in an accident on Medway's most notorious road - the A228 - is starting a support group for other families who have lost loved ones there.

Lynda Vaughan, whose 14-year-old son Jonathan Virdi died on the Sharnal Street by-pass near High Halstow in 2000, says she has already made contact with other families.

She wants those who have suffered to get together to support each other and share experiences, not just with the emotional trauma but also getting through the legal hurdles following a death.

Mrs Vaughan did not want to reveal the identities of families who have so far come forward for reasons of sensitivity. She said: "The group is open to people who have suffered as long as 10 or 20 years ago because it never leaves them.

"Also I would want to give people the benefit of my experience through the legal side of things such as inquests and courts because when we went through it we never knew what we could do or ask.

"I say to other families, contact me. I know what you have faced and we can help each other. I am doing it because I owe it to my son's memory. I am not afraid of trying because I cannot face any worse now my child is dead."

Jonathan and 16-year-old Terry Hilton died on October 7, 2000, when the car they were in collided with a lorry.

Mrs Vaughan and her family fought a battle with the Crown Prosecution Service to have the car driver, Daniel Grant, who was 17 at the time of the crash, prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving.

They were angry when he was only brought before Medway magistrates in 2001 for careless driving.He had to pay £613 in fines and costs for that, as well as having no licence, insurance or test certificate, and was banned from driving for 10 years.

Mrs Vaughan said: "We found we got no help from the legal system."

Other bereaved families can contact Mrs Vaughan on 01634 272688.