IT WAS all hands to the pump as parents, teachers and governors all battled to save two school from flooding.

The headteacher of Fordingbridge Junior School, Kim Robertson, came to check on the site this morning to discover the playground totally flooded and water just half an inch from getting into the classrooms.

A text was quickly sent out to parents and teachers calling for help and soon enough an army of volunteers were turning up at the gates, ready to help fill bags with sand and protect the school.

The neighbouring infant school was also in danger of flooding inside, so the teams of volunteers have been working tirelessly all day to do all they can to try and keep the water at bay.

Even local businesses were doing what they could to help out, with the local bakery, the Cottage Loaf, supplying them with food for lunch.

Mrs Roberston said: “Everyone got to work straight away and so far we have prevented the water from getting inside. The response from everyone has been absolutely brilliant.

“It just goes to show how wonderful people are in a crisis.”

Despite their efforts the school will be closed on Monday, when staff will assess the situation and decide whether alternative facilities are needed.