TRIBUTES have been paid to lollipop lady Karin Williams and staff at Rhws Primary School for how they dealt with a serious crash outside the school on Thursday morning, June 20.

Cllr Chris Elmore, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services for the Vale Council, said: "Our thoughts are with those who have been injured, as well as the staff, children and parents who witnessed this distressing incident yesterday morning while they were making their way to school.

"We would like to thank the emergency services, who were outstanding, as well as acting headteacher Jan Morgan and her staff, who have done everything in their power to maintain some degree of normality and calm for the pupils.

"The council will continue to provide the school with all the help they need over the coming days and weeks."

Educational psychologists are available at the school again today, June 21, offering counselling to pupils and staff.

Acting headteacher Jan Morgan said: “As you can imagine, this situation has been extremely traumatic for all concerned.

"All members of staff showed exceptional strength of character as they dealt with the rapidly changing situation, both at the scene of the accident and inside the school.

"We are very proud of the way in which the whole school community pulled together under difficult circumstances."

Headteacher Louise Lynn said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured, including our lollipop lady Karin Williams, who has a fantastic relationship with the children and is a treasured member of our school community.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have received from the Vale council, who sent educational psychologists to the school and provided an extra school crossing patrol officer to help us to maintain our routine as much as possible at a very difficult time.”