Karen: Kimberly Dunbar

Karen was first seen in episode 18 of the 1994 series of Byker Grove when she was staying in the Kleethorpes Holiday camp where Alfie, Anna and Flora were also staying.

Karen became friends with Alfie and traced him back to Newcastle in episode 20 when she made a surprise visit to the Grove.

In 1996 Karen became friends with Terry who led her away from her safe world of helping out at the Salvation Army hostel. On their first real date Karen was forced to sprint out of a restaurant after an expensive meal without paying for which she was almost caught. And another time, Terry took her "Metro Surfing" which resulted in him getting banned for a spell from the Grove, bruised ribs, and Karen left to do some quick thinking and lying to get out of trouble herself.

Karen caused offence to Anna when Mat first came to the Grove with her opinions on Mixed Relationships and her poor attempts at sympathising with Mat's situation didn't help matters.

Karen became concerned for Terry and Ben's welfare after Terry's father was released from prison and seemed to be leading Terry intio trouble again. After some detective work, Karen discovered that Terry's father was using him to sell drugs; eventually she caught up with Terry who was in the middle of a "deal". She grabbed his bag and was chased by Terry onto the street where she ran out on the road and was hit by a car.

She was taken to hospital where her situation improved. Terry eventually went to see her, after expressing his guilt to Lou and the two made up and Karen forgave him.

In 1997 Karen and Terry's relationship ended after the pool competition where Karen was Terry's rival in the final round and she deliberately potted the black in order to let Terry win. Terry was enraged and refused to accept her apologies.

Karen became friends with Cher and Sita and the trio turned their hands at everything, from performing as an all-girl group at Cher's grandfather's party, to running a disastorous baby-sitting business and offering advice on a local teen radio show.

Karen also started a career in hair-dressing and had a job helping out in a local saloon after school and on the weekends. However, this clashed with the voluntary work she did for the elderly so she had Cher and Sita to help her out so that her mother wouldn't find out.

However, Karen's presence at the saloon was resented by the other stylist Holly which resulted in the two having a fight on the saloon floor. Karen was forgiven by the saloon owner and after Holly left, Karen agreed to work for free. Sita warned Karen that she was being exploited, Karen refused to accept this but eventually realised it was true. Karen was eventually sacked but got her revenge by using her spare keys to break into the saloon in the night. After creating a merry mess Karen was distracted by the phone leaving something electrical switched on resulting in a violent explosion that sent the entire saloon up in flames.

Karen escaped unhurt and was advised by Cher to remain silent about the whole incident and forget it happened. However, Karen's conscience got the better of her and she went to see the saloon owner who had realised she was responsible but didn't care as the saloon was due to be totally refurbished on the insurance money.

Karen later confessed all to her mother, who forced her to go to the police and admit her crime.

Later, Karen resented her mother's talk at the Grove where she attempted to incite the other Grovers to join her campaign against the proposed closure of the shelter for the homeless in Newcastle. Karen felt hurt that her mother cared more about her "good causes" than of her, but after talking to Terry at Flora's funeral she joined her mother's side at the protest.

Kimberly will be returning in the 1998 series of Byker Grove, although this will probably be her last appearance as Karen.