THE NIECE of a woman who tripped and fell in Woodley Precinct last month has publicly thanked the good samaritans who rushed to her aid.

Jean Bellyou, who lives in Essex, was visiting her niece Julie Lee on Friday, July 20 when she tripped over a manhole cover outside Sue Ryder. Jean, aged 80, suffered cuts to her face and injured her side in the fall.

Fellow shoppers sprang into action and rushed over to help Jean up and call for paramedics.

Shop workers even came out to offer Jean drinks, and staff from Specsavers offered to repair her glasses, which had been damaged in the fall, free of charge.

Julie said: "A gentleman in a blue shirt helped my aunt up and sat her on the wooden band stand. When it started to rain, he sat with her and sheltered her.

"There were two PCSO officers who stayed with us the whole time and called the paramedics.

"A group of teenagers rushed over to ask if they could help, a lady from Barclays bank offered drinks and a lady from Cozze supplied us with tissues.

"My aunt has now returned home and whilst she is still badly bruised she is now recovering. She would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us."