Stuck passengers waiting to be allowed onto a ferry to Kent were treated to a performance by a street music group.

Thousands of travellers were trapped on the approach to the ferry terminals in Calais yesterday.

During their wait – for some, as long as eight or nine hours – families tried to amuse themselves by playing football, walking up and down the roadways and talking to other groups.

Folkestone mum Karen Cleaver, who was travelling back to Kent with her sons and their football team, said the conditions were "barbaric".

"We were there for so long that people who were Jewish or Muslim had to get out of their cars for their prayers," she said.

"There were people with young children walking up and down, trying to get into buildings just to get to the toilet.

"We approached the lanes to check in at around 6pm French time, and got on the ferry at 1.30am; and then we had to wait for another hour while the rest of the boat filled up.

"To sum it up in a word, it was barbaric. When I close my eyes I can still visualise brake lights and red crosses!"

While they were waited, however, some families had their spirits raised by 'Bristol Street Music', a three-piece band travelling back from performances in Marseille.

The band, featuring Alex Veitch on keyboard, Samuel Fox on bass and Chris Langton on drums, got onto the roof of their van and played a selection of jazz numbers.

Fellow trapped traveller Steve Polly said: "It was utter carnage , but fair play to these brilliant musicians to lighten the mind numbing boredom and chaos.

"This was the only bright spot of a truly grim afternoon/evening/night."