A couple who were trapped abroad for nearly a month due to the coronavirus outbreak are feeling 'utter relief' after arriving back in Kent.

Grant and Linda Gibson, from Lyminge, near Folkestone, left for a week's holiday in Northern Cyprus on Thursday, March 5.

But four days into their break away at the Salamis Bay Conti Hotel when they were placed in two weeks quarantine after another guest at the resort contracted Covid-19.

This meant they were not allowed to leave their room, and all meals were delivered to their door.

And their nightmare continued when they were told all flights out of the country would cease from March 21 - three days before their isolation period was due to end.

But they were finally given good news, when an easyJet flight was arranged for March 30 to bring them and many other British nationals home.

However, after this was cancelled, another repatriation flight was arranged for March 29 - and luckily this went ahead.

It is thought to be the last flight made by the airline, which has now grounded all planes.

Mr Gibson, 65, said: "The flight was smooth and calm.

"Gatwick North Terminal was like a ghost town, being closed completely from midnight.

"We drove back slowly due to the M20 closure, and we arrived home at 10pm exhausted.

"Words could not express our feelings of utter relief at being back in our home. We celebrated with a glass of real ale and a cup of tea... I had the beer!"

As the couple had been staying in the north side of Cyprus, they were given special permission to cross the border to travel to the south to catch their flight from Paphos airport.

At times they were escorted by the British Army's Parachute Regiment.

Mr Gibson added: "Our journey home was completely unforgettable.

"An early start, not with solely the 16 quarantined Brits we had been with, but over 80 British nationals and dual nationalities who seemingly emerged from every nook and cranny in Northern Cyprus, to join us in two large coaches bound for Paphos.

"Many old and disabled, many very frightened, all anxious.

"Our UN Green Line crossing was challenging given the numbers involved and that we had to do it in the direct sun while pulling our luggage over 'no man's land', as vehicles were blocked from crossing due to the coronovirus.

"Only one Turkish Cypriot channel was available and so it took nearly two hours to complete.

"The sense of relief when we crossed onto the Greek side was palpable not just because British Embassy staff were there to greet us, but so too were members of the British Army Paras who helped us move our luggage and transferred us to the British Parachute base in Cyprus for rest and refreshments.

"Our drive down the Parachute runway in convoy was a memorable experience, then onto Paphos two hours away, again in convoy.

"We had a motorcycle out rider who was clearing the way for us at crossing points.

"We arrived in pouring rain at an essentially closed Paphos, which had been opened to dispatch the two easyJet repatriation flights.

"It transpired these were the last ones to operate for easyJet before they grounded their fleet. They were completely full.

"The cabin crew were wonderful and although unable to serve any food and refreshments due to the virus they made sure we were all safe and comfortable.

"The cabin crew were all volunteers and some were in tears at the appreciation shown to them by the passengers.

"Our overriding feeling about that final day, was one of kindness.

"The kindness shown to us by so many people, many of them taking great health risks to help us."

The couple were particularly desperate to return to Kent as they take care of an elderly relative, 99-year-old Gladys May Eva.

They were also eager to get home for their three children and two grandchildren, and dog Squeak.

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