Accident youngsters meet rescue heroes

THERE were gasps of joy and screams of delight as a class of children involved in a road traffic accident two months ago were treated to a morning with some of their heroes.

Children from Worlingham Middle School were involved in the accident while on a supervised walk around the village.

Some of the first on the scene to help were Blue Watch from Lowestoft South Fire Station - and on Monday they all met again in happier circumstances as the children visited the new Stradbroke Road station.

The class of pupils were treated to a tour, a presentation on safety, demonstrations and the chance to spray water from one of the hoses during an exciting morning.

The youngsters were joined by their two teachers, teaching assistant, head teacher and parents, but were most delighted to be joined by classmate Olivia Li - still in a wheelchair following the crash.

Beccles Fire Station watch manager Tim Bray said: 'It has been very good to see the kids enjoying the day and great to see Olivia - she really looks like she's enjoying herself.'

The highlight of the day for the children was the opportunity to spray water from the station's hoses.

Head teacher Mike Croft said: 'They are looking forward to spraying water but I shall keep out of the way!'

The morning's activities were the brainchild of station manager Paul Field, who was keen to reunite the crew from that day with the children.

Teacher Joanna Barfield said: 'It's a lovely gesture on the part of the station to do this and nice for them to see a happy ending after a difficult incident.'

Craig and Kirsty White, from Shadingfield, were two of a number of parents to attend the day as they took the opportunity to thank the firemen.

Mrs White said: 'It is doing the children the world of good to meet everyone in a better, happier environment. We wanted to come down and show our appreciation and say thank-you.'

It is hoped that the visit might be the start of a long relationship between the school and the fire department, with all the emergency services invited to a Christmas dinner at the school on Wednesday.