A Wirral school police officer went above and beyond the call of duty when he assisted an 11-year-boy to get home after being caught in the snow storm by Wallasey School on Tuesday.

Constable Martin Ford, one of seven dedicated officers working with Wirral schools, had just finished duty when he noticed Sam Percy-Lloyd, a year seven pupil, standing in a state of distress at a bus stop near to his school.

Merseyside Police had been issuing severe weather warnings due to the snow and icy conditions on the roads and pavements with many bus services cancelled and roads gridlocked with heavy traffic.

Constable Ford said: "My colleagues and I had been helping the school to get the pupils back home safely.

"I had just come off duty at 4.15pm and was in my own car driving home when I saw Sam looking upset standing at the bus stop so offered to give him a lift home.

"It took me two hours in the bad weather to get back home but it was worth it to make sure that Sam got home safely."

Sams' parents Des Percy and Mary Lloyd have praised Cons Ford's actions in helping their son to safety in the bad weather.

Mr Percy said: "I want to thank PC Ford and the school for helping Sam. PC Ford's kind actions are very much appreciated."

Ms Lloyd added: "It was really good of him. I am really pleased that we have someone like PC Ford working with the school."

Wallasey School is one of many across Merseyside currently affected by the adverse weather conditions.

Head teacher Phil Duffy said: "We were managing the very difficult situation on Tuesday of releasing 1,100 youngsters out of school.

"It was typical of the superb staff that we have that they offered and were willng to run children home via our minibuses and their own cars to ensure children got home safely.

"We have had several grateful emails from parents and we would like to thank PC Ford in particular.

"He was on his way home when he saw a child waiting at a bus stop so initially brought him back to the school where we could make some checks and then took him home.

"It was quite typical of him to do something like this and it is great to have him on board as our school officer."