Pupils stuck in US after storm finally return home

Schoolchildren on a trip to America have finally returned home, after spending an extra week abroad because of super storm Sandy.

Ten students and two teachers from the St Lawrence Academy were due to return on Wednesday, October 31 after a six-day trip to Washington.

But the return flight was cancelled due to the extreme weather conditions, which left at least 55 people dead along the east coast of America.

The party instead had to wait an extra week at the hotel in Washington, before catching a flight home yesterday.

Photo Paper New Lines, New offers @ Cram Computers

Cram Computers

View details

Print voucher

New range of high quality photo paper now in stock, prices start from just £1.99. Matt and glossy a4, 6x4, 5x7, adhesive, magnetic & coated all in stock.

Contact: 01724 700769

Valid until: Wednesday, July 24 2013

Principal Joan Barnes said: "The next available flight for the group was on Tuesday evening and they were back in Scunthorpe on Wednesday.

"Once the storm passed last Thursday they were through the worst of the extreme weather. From speaking to the people there, it was still very windy for them and they decided not to leave the hotel for a few days.

"They felt safe there and were even able to see a few more sights in Washington once the weather had settled down. After the wind came, there was a lot of rain for them as well, but they all sound quite excited by the experience. The elections were actually happening in America while they were there and they were all caught up in the excitement of who was going to win."

There were originally plans for the party to visit New York as part of the trip, but the severe flooding and power cuts left the city inaccessible.

After visiting Congress and the Lincoln Memorial, the group waited while the storm raged along the coast.

Mrs Barnes said: "We have kept all the parents informed of what is happening and social media has made it much easier to communicate with the staff and students on the trip.

"The parents are brilliant and have been very supportive of the children on the trip. I don't think there is a single thing they haven't been told during the situation.

"I think the students will have mixed feelings about coming home. Once they are away, it will have taken a few days to get to know each other, because there were a variety of students actually on the trip.

"From speaking to the staff and students while they were there, it looked as though they had a lot of fun, given the situation.

"At the end of the day it was a history trip, so they'll certainly have lots to write about now they are back."