A SIX-year-old boy, from Cookhill near Alcester, who lost both his parents in a horrific plane crash, is now awake and recovering from his injuries.

Tragedy struck the family when the light aircraft they were travelling from the Isle of Wight in, came down near Popham Airfield, Hampshire on Saturday, January 3.

Lewis Tonkinson, aged 50, and his wife Sally, 44, died following the crash. Their son George Tonkinson was left with life-threatening injuries and taken to Southampton General Hospital.

The Year 2 pupil attends King’s Hawford Junior School in Claines, near Worcester.

Headteacher Jim Turner said:  “It came as something which has started our year with a great sense of loss because George’s parents were well -known by many in the school’s community.

“I think parents in each year group have found it very difficult, the Tonkinsons have been involved in lots of work at the school. 

“I think young children need a sense of purpose, they are organising a card for George which they have all signed.

“I want him to know those in the school are thinking of him.”

He added that that the children would also create voice recordings wishing George well.

Yesterday, the headteacher invited parents into the school and a special assembly was held to talk about the accident and pray for George.

Mr Turner said he would be visiting George, either in Southampton or Birmingham, where he will deliver the students’ card and voice clips and also give messages from some of the parents.

It is anticipated, George, will be moved to a Birmingham hospital in the next week or so. 

Mr Tonkinson was a director and co-founder of the company, Pinnacle Marketing Communications.   

His co-director Simon Flatt said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Lewis Tonkinson, director and co-founder of Pinnacle Marketing Communications, died on 3rd January 2015.

“Lewis and Sally were a hugely popular couple and their tragic and untimely loss will leave a big gap in the lives of the great many people that knew and loved them.

Our thoughts are with their families and, in particular, for George’s speedy recovery.”

In a statement, posted on AirBourne Aviation’s Facebook page, a spokesman said: “Following the tragic accident at Popham on Saturday afternoon, everyone here at Popham Airfield, together with the wider aviation community, would like to offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Lewis and Sally Tonkinson.

“We are all very shocked and sad at this awful tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with their young son George.”

On the day of the crash, members of the group had commented that flying conditions were “awful”.

Anyone who saw the aircraft prior to the crash at 3.43pm on Saturday should contact the AAIB on 01252 510300.