Worlingham children reunited with their 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.

The 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 children were treated to a tour, a presentation on safety, a demonstration of applicances and were given the chance to spray water from one of the hoses in an exciting morning.

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

Tim Bray, Beccles Fire Station watch manager, 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 fireman who helped on the day.

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 occasion might be the start of a long-relationship between the school and the fire department, with all of the emergency services invited to a Christmas dinner at the school on Wednesday.