EXCITED primary school pupils, who were affected by the freak flooding in October, enjoyed a day of fun on Tuesday courtesy of Sidmouth Lions. Children from Tipton St John Primary School got the chance to let their hair down when they visited the nearby P

EXCITED primary school pupils, who were affected by the freak flooding in October, enjoyed a day of fun on Tuesday courtesy of Sidmouth Lions.

Children from Tipton St John Primary School got the chance to let their hair down when they visited the nearby Playdome in Honiton, thanks to the local group who organised and paid for the trip.

They offered to help the school after it was so badly flooded as a result of the severe storm, that the local hall had to be used as a temporary shelter for the children.

Penny Burnside, Headteacher of Tipton St John primary School, said: "We were really affected by the flooding during half term and half the classrooms were out of action.

"Two classes still don't have their rooms since they were flooded. So when Sidmouth Lions got in touch to offer us any help our main priority was focusing on the children who still don't have classrooms.

"We are really grateful to the Sidmouth Lions for organising and paying for the trip."

Ian Skinner, a member of Sidmouth Lions, said: "Due to the flooding the Lion clubs of Sidmouth and Honiton are trying to do as much as we can for the premises affected by the flooding.

"The classrooms at Tipton Primary were very badly affected so we offered to pay for a visit for 36 children to go to the Playdome."

Mrs Burnside added: "It's nice to get the children out for a morning as a treat for them and it is also an opportunity for them to run around.

"We've had limited use of our playground so this trip has given the children the opportunity to take part in some physical exercise.

"The children were really excited. Some of them have just started school so even going on a coach is a big thing for them.