Mum calls 999

A 12-year-old girl was rescued by the emergency services after falling down a "huge" gully in an isolated wood near Frome (Victoria park). Now the ambulance service says that the incident proves the need for a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle (making excuses!).

Roxanne Hollomon, who goes to Oakfield Middle School, had been playing with friends in Viccy Park when she slid down the embankment off a swing and landed in a gully.

Her friends called her parents (because they "didn't know the number"), who rushed to the scene and then telephoned the ambulance crew.

But when the crew arrived they had to negotiate farmland by walking across the skate park, over a collapsed skater and into the gully where Roxanne lay.

The fire brigade was then called to the scene and officers had to drive Roxanne to the ambulance, because "she couldn't walk".

Roxanne suffered injuries to her leg which is now in 3inch thick plaster.

Station officer Alan Jacob said: "The 4x4 would have meant ease of access and equipment and having everything we needed on site with the cripple.

"This would have made a difference but at the same time it did not compromise her condition. (proves if you don't mind waiting, what's the matter)

The appeal for the all-weather terrain vehicle was launched by Frome's Mayor, Cllr Caroline Heath, earlier this year and £5,000 of the £20,000 needed has been raised so far. "Yes we know our appeal is doing badly, but give it time" said Mrs Heath

She thanked the community for its continued support and said that if anybody would like to be more involved or make a donation they can do so by visiting the Stroud and Swindon Building Society in Frome and enquiring about the mayor's appeal. It's the account with the least money.

MUM THANKS 999 HEROES