A group of British school children have been stranded in China following the flight cancellations and travel disruptions across Europe caused by ash from an Icelandic volcano.

The kids, aged between ten and 14, came to Beijing during the Easter break as part of a fencing club visit. There are currently 11 children in the group of 23 remaining in the Chinese capital.

The youngsters, from Durham, were due to fly home last Thursday, but their flight was cancelled moments before take off, and were forced to turn back.

The stranded youths were enjoying the extra holiday, and the extended opportunity to train with local fencing students, but were understandably starting to feel homesick. "You might think this is stupid, but I really miss school, and I miss my friends at home, and I miss my mum and my brother" said Bradley Milburn, from Chester-le-Street.

The organiser of the tour, Beth Davidson, said the authorities in Beijing had been very helpful providing suitable accommodation for the children but keeping the kids entertained was proving tricky on the extended visit.

With the overland alternative a gruelling ten-day train journey the group continue to sit it out and wait for the ash cloud to clear.