Pupils dig in to help the elderly

Kindhearted schoolchildren showed they were made of true grit when they took time out of their day to clear their neighbours' driveways of ice and snow.

A 12-strong team of pupils from Q3 Academy in Great Barr stepped in to help elderly residents as the big chill continued to grip the region.

The youngsters showed their community spirit as they gritted, scraped and cleared about 10 driveways in Wilderness Lane, Great Barr.

The pupils were armed with shovels, brooms and bags of grit.

Many of the properties at which they worked belonged to elderly residents.

As well as ridding the driveways of ice and snow, the students defrosted people's cars and chatted to residents of the street, who said they were delighted that the schoolchildren had come to their aid during the big freeze.

Many residents have been unable to clear their driveways themselves during the prolonged spell of freezing temperatures.

The day proved to be such a success that it may now be repeated whenever the wintry weather strikes.

Staff member Sarah Mellors and principal Caroline Badyal joined the pupils, who are in all year groups at the school, on the clean-up. Mrs Mellors said: "I have never seen such enthusiasm from the students.

"It was a very successful project and helped spread a little community spirit," she added. "The residents were all very appreciative.

"This was just our way of giving back to the community and helping out our neighbours," Mrs Mellors said.

People in the region have struggled throughout the big chill to keep their pathways clear.

Supermarkets have sold out of table salt and dishwasher salt.

Cat litter has also been flying off the shelves as people look for inventive ways to combat the ice.

Hospitals in the region have reported a huge rise in people suffering broken bones after slipping on ice.