THE parents of a schoolboy who died and three others who survived when a branch fell on them during a school trip have launched a legal bid for compensation.

Stephen and Wendy Mullinger, whose son Daniel died when a 69ft branch broke off a tree, are seeking damages from the National Trust.

Daniel, 11, from Stanway, died from head injuries after the branch fell on him during a school trip to Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk – one of the National Trust’s estates.

An inquest in 2008 recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Three fellow pupils at Heathlands Church of England Primary School, in West Bergholt, were also injured in the incident, which happened in June 2007.

They are Harry Bowen, now 14, who was left disabled and has needed ongoing surgery and treatment for injuries to his pelvis and spine.

Max Farley’s knuckles were crushed and Katie Farthing suffered a broken right wrist and left leg.

It is understood their parents are claiming through the civil courts that the National Trust failed to check the beech tree, keep proper inspection records and classified the tree as medium risk when it should have been high risk.

In total they are seeking more than £300,000 in compensation.

However, Stephen Mullinger stressed it was not about the money.

He said: “We couldn’t care less about the money.

“Any money will go to Harry, because he is in such a bad way.

“If the National Trust has done something wrong, we feel it should be punished in that way.”

Peter Griffiths, regional director for the National Trust in the East of England, said: “None of us in the National Trust can imagine what a challenge the last three years have been for Daniel Mullinger’s family, and the families of the other children injured in this tragic accident in 2007.

“North Norfolk District Council stated that, in their view, Daniel’s death was an accident that was not foreseeable.

“The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further on this civil case at such a preliminary stage.”