Pupils stranded in Dubai after Heathrow fire
Jane DavisA group of County Durham pupils have become stranded in Dubai after a major fire closed down Heathrow Airport.
Eight pupils and three members of staff from Lanchester EP Primary School, in Lanchester, were supposed to fly back to Heathrow on Friday morning before connecting to another flight to Newcastle in the evening.
But, after arriving at the airport in Dubai, they found out they would not be able to travel back as planned.
Teacher Simon McLoughlin, who is in touch with the group, said they remained in good spirits despite being "very tired".
"It's just a waiting game," he said.
He said the group had been moved to a hotel in the emirate and were now waiting there.
"They're very tired because they got up very early this morning to get to the airport," Mr McLoughlin said.
Jane Davis"This is coming up at the end of a very busy week for them but I think everyone seems to be in good spirits, the kids seem to be happy and everyone's just relaxed."
It has since been confirmed the group will be flying back to the UK on Saturday.
Heathrow was closed after a fire at an electrical substation in west London, which supplies the airport, caused a major power outage.
Disruption is expected to continue for days, with more than 1,350 flights thought to be affected on Friday.