A RESCUE operation was launched to bring back students and teachers from a mid Cheshire school who were caught up in the London bombings.

Anxious parents bombarded Cheshire County Council last Thursday, desperate for news on whether the youngsters were safe.

Some 40 children were on an educational trip to the capital, along with three teachers.

The county council sent two large yellow American school buses to transport the youngsters from St Nicholas High School, Hartford, and other schoolchildren from Cheshire who were also in London.

The party arrived back in Northwich on Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile a senior Cheshire County Council official witnessed the explosion on the number 30 bus, which happened 50 metres in front of him.

Former county emergency planning officer Paul Heath close to the blast in Tavistock Square as he made his way to a conference.

A Cheshire County Council spokesman said: "He was quite lucky.

"He went to Euston to get a tube but couldn't so decided to walk.

"He turned right into Tavistock Square when the bus blew up in front of him. He was obviously very shaken."

Meanwhile MPs have condemned the bombings.

This was the second time Mike Hall, Weaver Vale MP had narrowly missed terrorists' bombs as he was in Warrington in 1993 when the IRA blew up the town centre.

Mr Hall said: "The actions of those responsible for this attack should be utterly condemned.

"The whole country will be resolute in its response to these atrocities and redouble our efforts to tackle international terrorism and safeguard our democratic freedoms and way of life.

"My condolences go out to all those who have lost loved ones in these cowardly attacks and to those who have been injured."

Shadow Chancellor George Osborne, MP for Tattton said: "You can't help thinking that that could have been me at those stations.

"It is difficult to think of anything more horrific than a bomb going off on the Tube."

He praised the work of paramedics.

Mr Osborne said: "While most people are running away from the bomb they are running towards it and it makes you feel nothing but admiration."

Eddisbury MP Stephen O'Brien said: "My heartfelt sympathies go out to all the families and friends of those that have been injured or lost loved ones following these atrocious and barbaric terrorist attacks on our capital city.

"I condemn those that have perpetrated these evil acts and have deliberately targeted innocent lives.

He added: "I join with everyone of all beliefs and political persuasions in supporting our united resolve to ensure that the freedoms we enjoy, our way of life and the security of all the United Kingdom's citizens is preserved and protected."

Meanwhile a book of condolence has been opened at Vale Royal Borough Council's headquarters at Wyvern House, Winsford in the wake of the London bomb attacks.

Speaking on behalf of residents, Clr Keith Musgrave, leader of Vale Royal Borough Council, said: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the borough go out to all those affected by the terrible events in our capital.

"I would also like to praise the work of the emergency services, who have shown amazing strength and professionalism during this difficult time."

Anyone wishing to sign the book can do so at Wyvern House, Winsford, between 9am and 5pm. The book will remain open until Friday, July 22.