A headteacher has paid tribute to the emergency services after a coach which was heading towards the seaside with 42 pupils on board, overturned.

Paul Bryant, head of William Westley Church of England Primary School at Whittlesford, near Cambridge, also thanked the many others that helped to rescue the children.

Mr Bryant said he wanted to say 'Thank you to each and every one of you' who came to the aid of the youngsters.

He said: 'I am amazed how fantastic people have been in Norfolk, we were so impressed. The paramedics were so pleasant and courteous and they spent time sitting on the grass talking to the children.

'The fire officers were amazing too. All the services were wonderful - they made a hard situation a thousand times easier to manage.'

All 42 children had a miraculous escape when their coach, bound for school trip to Hunstanton, overturned and ended up in a ditch.

The incident happened on the A10 at Hilgay just before 11am last Tuesday on July 22.

The driver had to be cut out and taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for suspected back injuries.

The vehicle, owned by Royston-based Richmond's Coaches, was in convoy with two other coaches.

Mr Bryant said that staff from Tesco and Arbuckles Restaurant in Downham Market delivered snacks to the children.

He said: 'They were so kind bringing the children biscuits and water and thank you to all the people who stopped and helped.

'We have had so many lovely messages from concerned people and the emergency services, even though they are very busy, they still took the time to call us after.'

BLOB/BLOB: Would you like to pay tribute to the emergency services? Email natalie.copeland@archant.co.uk.