Schoolgirls from Kent were forced to come home early from a trip in Paris after the tragic terror attacks on Friday night.

Pupils from The Folkestone School for Girls were staying in the French capital and were about to take in Parisian culture for the weekend.

But the school took the decision to cut the trip short after the city shut down following the devastating attacks which killed 129 people.

WATCH: Schoolgirls caught up in Paris terror attacks

The group of year 10, 11 and 12 pupils only arrived at 4pm on Friday and were settling down ahead of an early start on Saturday morning to go into the city.

They were due to come home today but returned safely in Kent on Saturday evening.

The trip was organised for the girls to spend a weekend practising their French and learning about the country's culture as part of their French studies.

Principal Tracy Luke was in constant contact with her staff throughout Friday night and Saturday to make sure the 24 girls and three members of staff came back safely.

Mrs Luke said: “They were in the chateau on the outskirts when it happened. The city was effectively shut down.

“We took advice the next morning and decided to cut it short and we wanted to get the girls home. So they came back on Saturday tea time at around 6pm.

“They should have been up the Eiffel Tower on Saturday.

“They were learning about French values when those values were attacked and don’t think they will forget even though they were safe.

“They [the girls] understood and there were no moans or complaints. We’re going to have the minute’s silence this morning.”

“I was at home when it happened and got straight in touch. We made sure parents were in touch.

“We’re pleased parents felt we did the right thing because there’s not much more we can do.”

Mrs Luke added the school would decide whether to run the trip again but praised the company for booking them onto a ferry quickly for their return on Saturday. She praised her staff for keeping pupils calm.

“The staff were brilliant. All of us were in shock so the emphasis was getting them on the bus,” Mrs Luke said.

If you or anyone you know was in Paris over the weekend please get in touch with the newsdesk on 01233 623232 or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk