New Ferry One Year On: "I'm still scared to get to sleep"

School children affected by the explosion in New Ferry have told Radio City a year on they're still struggling to get to sleep at night

Last March a blast reduced homes and businesses to rubble

Around 20 families are still unable to get back into their homes because of the damage.

More are still coming to terms with that night, not least some of the youngest residents.

For the last 12 months, support has been offered to children at Grove Street Primary School which is a few streets away from the blast sight.

Pupils have been encouraged to talk about their worries and concerns.

Jade who's 11 years old said: " I think about it nearly everyday, I remember everything that happened. It's stuck in the front of my mind and I can't get it out."

"I'm always huddling up to my mum because I'm scared there's going to be another explosion."

Lilly who's 10 and in Year 5 said: "When I try to force myself to sleep, it makes it worse because I think about people affected."

"Even though it wasn't that far away, it feels like it's right next to you"

Counselling has been offered to pupils ever since the blast, and the school have held activities to help youngsters speak about their feelings.

Lilly said: "All of the people are coming together, even though an awful blast happened. They make you happy,"

Headteacher Meg Marshall said: "Trauma takes a long time to recover from. We never know when the responses might manifest themselves."

"The emotions are still very raw. We need to remind ourselves that this hasn't gone away for the children"

You can listen to a Radio City News Special - New Ferry: One Year One tonight at 9pm on Radio City Talk