'It's good to get out and have some fun'

HUNDREDS of children descended on Richmond Park today where school was the last thing on their minds.

Avi Sookoo, 14, and his sister Hanza, 17, were given two days off from Bishopshalt School in Hillingdon.

Avi said: "I'm pleased to be off but I'd rather be in school because I could have snowball fights with my friends."

Hanza added: "It's a good thing to get out and have some fun. The idea that it's going to make me stay off sick more often when I'm older is rubbish."

Louise and Paul Webb came to the park with their three daughters Holly, seven, Ellie, five, and Beth, three. The children attend Maple Infants' School in Surbiton and St Andrew's and St Mark's School. The family said it was wonderful to be able to spend time together. But Mrs Webb, 41, an insurance consultant, added: "I'll have to go back to work this afternoon. I wouldn't want the schools closed for any longer."