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

THE head teacher of Axminster Community Primary School has been stranded in Spain - but is travelling over land 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.