A mum has been charged over a crash in which her daughter died last month.

Alanda Jane Pike, 34, of Blackmore Road, Shaftesbury has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit on August 24.

Her daughter, three-year-old Louisa May Pike, died as a result of the crash on the A354 at Thickthorn Close.

Police were informed by the ambulance service of the collision between the white Ford Transit van and a silver Vauxhall Astra at 7.52am on Thursday, August 24.

The youngster and her mother were flown to Southampton General Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The three-year-old died in hospital the next day.

The driver of the van – a 44-year-old woman from Salisbury – was taken to Salisbury District Hospital for treatment.

The drivers of both vehicles were subsequently released from hospital.

Pike, 34, appeared before Poole Magistrates' Court on Thursday afternoon and is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday October 5.

Police Sergeant Phil Lee, of the traffic unit, said: "I am appealing for any witnesses to this collision who have yet to speak to officers to please contact Dorset Police."