Last updated at 21:32, Thursday, 25 February 2010

THE aftermath of November’s floods has taught us much about the resilience of West Cumbrian people.

But perhaps our greatest lesson can be learned from the amazing spirit shown by the hundreds of school children who were directly affected.

Young lives were disrupted throughout the area, but nowhere more so than at Cockermouth School, which has many pupils still living miles from their flooded town centre homes, some in different towns and villages.

It’s bad enough having your daily travel arrangements turned upside down, but some of these youngsters are sharing much smaller accommodation, away from friends, and are juggling all these problems alongside preparation for all important exams.

In our pages today we feature a group of these pupils who are a credit to their school and their families.

They talk honestly and openly about how they’re coping three months down the line.

It’s a sobering thought that while some businesses are getting back on track, and work is starting on bridge repairs, we also have young people whose one stab at education is being put to the most severe of tests.

The impact of the floods on these youngsters will be long lasting.

The support of their school, families and friends will be vital in coming months.

But if their own responsible attitude, fortitude and spirit so far is anything to go by, then they will pass this test as a shining example to us all.

First published at 19:29, Thursday, 25 February 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk