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Riley helps out the tooth fairy

4/ 7/2008

A SCHOOLboy from Great Harwood gave the tooth fairy a helping hand while on a family holiday.

Riley Brown, six, of St Hubert’s Road, was swimming at a hotel in Marmaris, Turkey, with holiday buddy Jamie-Leigh Browne from Exeter when she lost a front tooth.

The pair dived in and searched for the tooth but came up with nothing.

They exchanged addresses and parted ways as Jamie-Leigh was flying home the following day.

But Riley, who attends St John’s Primary School, didn’t give up, and, while swimming in the pool two days later, he found the tooth.

Riley said: "I couldn’t believe it. I held my breath for 30 seconds and dived in and grabbed it."

After returning to Lancashire he posted the tooth back to his friend in Exeter.

She put the tooth under her pillow and next morning found the tooth fairy had paid a visit and left behind £1.

Riley said: "She got the same amount as I got. I’ve lost two teeth already. I really wanted her to get her gift.’’

The tooth has travelled nearly 2,200 miles and Riley said he was delighted for Jamie-Leigh, also six.

He said: "I was happy I could help her out a bit."

The two plan to write to each other in future.

Darren Mussell, headteacher of St John’s Primary School, said: "It’s a very nice story and it’s great Riley could help out his friend."