Head teacher stranded by flight ban

THE head teacher of Axminster Community Primary School has been stranded in Spain – but is travelling overland to be back with the children .

THE head teacher of Axminster Community Primary School has been stranded in Spain - but is travelling overland to be "back with the children".

Tony Harvell had been due to return from his holiday on Saturday (April 17), but his flight was banned due to the Icelandic volcano eruption.

He has been among thousands of passengers stranded across Europe because the cloud of volcanic ash is now covering all of the UK.

At the time of going to press, planes were expected to remain grounded across England until Tuesday (April 20).

Deputy head Ingrid Edginton said: "He [Mr Harvell] is keen to return to be back with the children and is making his way overland. He is keen to return and be with the children.

"It's business as usual. We remained open with the snow and ice, and we'll continue as normal as now.

"We wish him a safe journey and look forward to having him back."

The glacier-covered volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted after being dormant for 200 years.

It has caused travel chaos and is estimated to have cost the Devon economy millions.

FOUR members of staff from Axe Valley Community College have been stranded abroad after their flights were delayed because of a cloud of volcanic ash.

Three teachers and a staff member, who organises and provides cover, are stuck in Kenya, Caymen Islands, Lisbon and Malta.

Head teacher Martin Smith said it was not an ideal situation, but they have "contingency plans" in place.

He said: "We have been able to recruit agency staff to cover for absent colleagues and use our own cover system.

"It's not an ideal way to start the term and there has been some disruption, but we are coping.