A GOOD Samaritan helped a minibus of children and two drivers involved in a road crash outside his house.

Neil Arnold, who with his wife, Kathy, runs the Lodge House bed and breakfast on the road between Buckland St Mary and Bishopswood, said he was in his garden when someone told him they had been involved in a crash.

Neil invited the children and drivers into his house where he put on cups of tea and drinks before emergency crews arrived.

He said: “It was cold and I could see the little kids were shivering in the minibus so I took them to our house.

“This is just what you do when you live in a village – you look out for each other.

“It was a bit surreal with the paramedics and police in the house checking everybody out – it felt a bit like being on The Bill with some Grange Hill thrown in.”

Four children on their way home from Buckland St Mary Primary School, who were in the back of the minibus, were not injured in the collision.

Head teacher Nick Arnold said they will be sending a signed card to Neil and Kathy as a thank you for their efforts.

He added: “I was very thankful that Neil and Kathy helped in the tricky situation.

“I am in discussions with Somerset County Council road transport department, who run the school trips home, to find out further details.”

Stuart Alcock, pastor of Bishopswood Chapel, was also involved in the collision with his wife, and said Neil and Kathy, who are good friends, helped to keep everyone comfortable.

He added: “We are incredibly grateful for their hospitality, care and concern at a time when they could have said to us to just get on with it.”

  • HAS anyone in your area acted as a Good Samaritan? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@chardandilminsternews. co.uk or by calling 01823-365104.