Budleigh schoolchildren will still be able to get to classes in safety, after an anonymous benefactor stepped in to pay for the St Peter’s Primary School crossing patrol.

The Journal reported last month how the school was appealing for help to fund the patrol in Barn Lane, costing £6,000 for three years, after Devon County Council said it would be withdrawing its funding because the road was not busy enough to meet its criteria.

The school had been using volunteers from its staff, but this was not thought to be sustainable.

Fortunately, a Budleigh resident read of the school’s plight, and has now agreed to pay for the patrol for at least three years.

The benefactor does not wish to be named, but has asked for the St Peter’s School Association to have its logo added to the crossing patrol, in the hope that further members of the public will come forward to offer support.

Headteacher Steve Hitchcock said the donation came as a relief to the school, which could not afford to fund the patrol itself.

He added: “We are very pleased and amazed that there are such kind and amazing people that are willing to support our community, and so we say a big thank-you.”