Five quick-thinking Ipswich schoolboys have been praised for their actions after they helped an injured, elderly woman.

But Joshua Kennell said of his and his friends’ actions: “If someone gets hurt we help them; that’s what we do.”

The 12-year-olds heard cries for help as they walked home from school last Monday.

Joshua and friends Liam Macken, Jay Porter, Ethan Perry and Jensen Squirrell then sent for help when they saw 84-year-old Joyce Wallis lying half outside her front door.

She had fallen at the end of her driveway but managed to crawl to her front door in an effort to alert her husband.

But 92-year-old Alan could not get down to help her because he walks with a zimmer frame.

The Ormiston Endeavour Academy pupils went to fetch a neighbour and called an ambulance to help.

They were soon joined by Mr Wallis’ daughter, Lynn Day, who had been called by her father.

Joshua said: “We heard this cry from the house and we saw this lady on the floor.

“She said ‘Can you help me’ so I went over to check she was alright.”

Joshua’s mum Joanne Kennell said she was incredibly proud of her son and his friends.

“They weren’t phased at all,” Mrs Kennell said. “I just thought ‘Oh wow’.

“I was really pleased they all knew exactly how to deal with it. I really feel they’re a shining example to other young children.

“It shows just what 12-year-old boys can be capable of.”