THE parents of a boy who died in the Minehead Middle School coach crash have thanked the local community for the ‘overwhelming’ support they have received.

Oliver Price, aged 10, was killed when the coach came off the A396 Cutcombe Hill and overturned when returning from a school trip to Exmoor Zoo on July 17.

Lucy and Matthew Price said in a statement issued through Avon and Somerset Constabulary: “As Oliver’s parents we have seen first-hand the incredible response from the community after the awful collision earlier this month.

“We are so very grateful to all the many emergency service workers who responded initially and those who continue to provide support in the aftermath, through the police investigation, and the hospital teams who continue to look after those who were injured.

“We would also like to thank the team at the Rest and Be Thankful pub in Wheddon Cross for opening their doors to everybody that afternoon, without a moment’s hesitation, and for making sure everybody was well looked after and providing a meeting place for parents.

“We send our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery to the other children and staff on the bus, particularly those who are still in hospital, you are all in our thoughts.

“The support we have received from our amazing community has been overwhelming.

“To those who left kind messages, or flowers outside the school, we want to say thank you.

“We are also grateful beyond words for all the staff and parents at the wonderful Minehead Middle School and for the love we have been shown by all our family and friends.

“We truly do appreciate you all.

“Finally, we would also like to pass on our thanks to the police investigation team for their support and ongoing hard work.

“We know this is a complex and emotive investigation but we appreciate their regular updates and continued efforts.”

Twenty-one other passengers were injured in the crash, of whom two children and one adult still remain in hospital in Bristol.