A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has been struck by lightning at the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival.

It happened around 1.10pm this afternoon and the youngster suffered a minor burn.

He was taken to James Paget Hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.

He was cared for by the St John Ambulance Suffolk team who are providing support at the event.

Jason Gillingham, county ambulance officer who was on scene at the show, said: “This was a very minor burn to the boy’s shoulder, but he was conveyed to hospital and is recovering well.

“The incident proves what an important role St John Ambulance plays here at the show every year. We really do our bit to make a difference to the enormous number of people who are out enjoying their day.”

Around 70 St John Ambulance members have been providing first aid support to the thousands of people attending the Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival.

The team includes fully trained nurses, doctors and paramedics.

Cadet divisions from the county are also represented.

Four ambulances have been on duty, as well as one of the charity’s fully equipped control vehicles.

There are also three mobile treatment centres at Royal Green, near East Point Pavillion, Claremont Park car park and at the end of Lower Esplanade.

Tony Curd, commander of St John Ambulance Suffolk, said: “The Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival has become a major event in the region and we’re delighted to be providing first aid support to visitors again this year.”

Heavy rain and thunderstorms have once again drenched the crowds who have turned out for the second day of the event.

Most of the flying displays have gone ahead with minor alterations to allow for the limited visibility and there was enough sunshine for the ever-popular Red Arrows to start the show in style at about 12.30pm.

The flying schedule today continues until just after 5pm, with the Avro Vulcan, Team Breitling wingwalkers and Yak 52 display team still due to appear.

Air show steward Keith Martindill, who has been one of the volunteers collecting donations from visitors, said: “Some people are putting in more than �2, one man put in a tenner and then walked off. It’s been pretty good actually.”

Sandy Timpson, from Lound, said she has been to the air festival for the last few years. “It’s good apart from the weather. The Blades are my favourite, they’re just so good, and the Vulcan of course – that goes without saying.”

Steve Ferber, who had come with his family from Potters Bar, said: “The main thing that attracted me to come has been seeing the Red Arrows.”