POLICE hunting a York hit-and-run driver revealed today they had a possible new lead - as victim Katie Scales made a personal plea for the culprit to surrender.

Officers have discovered fresh CCTV footage showing a black Fiat Punto in the immediate vicinity of Blossom Street, where the 11-year-old Haxby girl was hit on a pelican crossing.

The footage, taken around the time of the incident in early December, is being sent for specialist enhancement in the hope that the registration number can be identified.

Traffic Constable Richard Gatecliffe said this might then enable police to eliminate the driver from the inquiry.

He appealed again for anyone who knows who the driver is to examine their conscience and contact police.

He said Katie was recovering well, but could have been killed.

"I would ask people to ask themselves: How would you feel if it was your daughter that had been knocked down?"

Katie, who is recovering well from her physical injuries, revealed she had been suffering from nightmares.

She said: "I would feel a lot better if the person owned up. It would help me get over it."

Her father, Jeff, said: "It would definitely help in the healing process if the person owned up, or could be found."

Mr Scales said Katie had still to get over the psychological effects of the incident. "It's what's going on inside," he said.

One hurdle to overcome would arise after she returns to All Saints' School, hopefully after the February half-term.

He said she would again have to use the pelican crossing where the accident happened, to get the bus home.

Anyone with information should phone York police on 631321.

Updated: 16:07 Friday, January 24, 2003