Staff at flood-striken Tipton St John Primary School have praised the continuing support of the community, after heavy rain left its playground submerged in water.

Pupils and parents helped clear up the site today (Monday) ahead of the school’s new term tomorrow. They were assisted by a crew from Sidmouth Fire Station, who washed down the play areas and footpaths to get rid of the remaining mud and silt.

The school’s grounds were lefty covered with water and mud in the aftermath of Storm Katie on Saturday, March 26.

Colin Butler, executive head of the Otter Valley Federation for Tipton and Feniton, said: “Special thanks must go to the parents and the fire brigade for their support again with the clear up. We could not get the school back to working order without the help of the community.

“The problem seems to be definitely getting worse, this is already the second time this year we have had to hold a major clear up. We are just so fortunate to have a community that will keep turning out to help clear up. So far we have been extremely lucky and the worst flooding has happened over night, or in the holidays; my greatest concern is that there will be a flooding event during school time and children’s safety could be threatened.”

Read more in Friday’s Sidmouth Herald.