Tipton St John residents came out in force yesterday (Monday) after the primary school’s grounds were flooded during storm Frank.

Volunteers, including pupils from the school, pulled on their wellies and brought their brooms to help make the playground safe after the site was flooded on Wednesday, December 30.

The helpers were assisted by members of Sidmouth Fire Station who used a high pressure hose to help blast through the mud.

Staff said that if the flood water was an inch higher, the sites lower classrooms would have been flooded.

Michael Tuckett, Head of School Tipton St. John, said: “I am very proud of the results and education children receive at Tipton St. John School, but not many schools have to put flood gates up and move equipment every time heavy rain is forecast. It takes up a considerable amount of time that we would prefer to focus on the childrens’ educational experience and learning.”

“Special thanks must go to the parents and the fire brigade for their support with the clear up. We could not get the school back to working order without the help of the community.”

The pupils returned to school this morning.

Read more in this week’s Sidmouth Herald.