Hurricane Sandy forces Scunthorpe pupils to avoid New York during visit to United States

Students from Scunthorpe on a school trip in America cancelled a visit to New York because of the storms which have killed dozens of people.

Ten students and two teachers from the St Lawrence Academy took a six-day trip to America that saw them spend several days in the capital city, Washington DC.

There were also plans for the party to visit New York, but the severe flooding and power cuts left the city inaccessible.

After visiting Congress and the Lincoln memorial in the capital, the group waited in a hotel while the storm raged along the coast.

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Mervyn Gravil, 49, sent his Year 11 son Jak Gravil on the trip.

Mr Gravil, from Scunthorpe, said: "I think they will come back and not realise that they have been affected by one of the biggest storms ever to hit North America.

"They are on a history trip, but I doubt they'll realise they are actively becoming part of history. They are all safe, though.

"Initially I felt a bit of worry, because we didn't know where the storm was going to go and we saw it moving towards the east coast.

"I didn't know if they would go to New York City on the trip, but the school has done well to keep us informed. The kids have mobile phones and we know that Jak is fine.

"He told us it is noisy because of the wind and that it has been difficult sleeping. I think they will be disappointed that they haven't been to Manhattan, but they'll understand and appreciate that they could have been in serious danger.

"Not many people can say they were there at the time and they will always be able to remember and relate to the events."

Jak's grandmother, Anita Dolby, said: "I was really worried that they might be going to New York. I have had CNN on constantly because I am worried about him.

"I just thought 'why did it have to happen when Jak was there?'

"It was an experience he was really looking forward to and it is such a shame that he has missed some of the trip."

The school has kept parents regularly up-to-date with the trip and the St Lawrence teachers in Washington have used social media to post updates.

A teacher on the trip, Darren Darcy, tweeted: "7.25pm Washington time: All History group happy and well. Just had our tea – all together. Fantastic teamwork shown throughout the day."

A parent with a child on the trip, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I am very glad that they are safe and feel 100 per cent confident in the ability of their teachers to look after them.

"I am not particularly worried, but just want to see them home now. The most unpleasant bit is the uncertainty around when they will be coming back."

The school declined to comment.