Channel Tunnel passengers who suffered a two-and-a-half hour delay in a freak mishap have been given a double consolation.

The customers, who were taken from Folkestone to France and back without being able to get off the train, have both got refunds and free crossings for their next journey.

Now red-faced Eurotunnel officials running the car shuttle have apologised to the 20-plus customers.

A spokesman said: "We are highly embarrassed and we hope it doesn't happen again.

"This was a very unusual situation and it is the first time it has happened in 16 years of the service.

"We are investigating but at this stage it looks like it was down to simple human error."

The mishap happened on the 0850 shuttle service from Cheriton to Cocquelles on Saturday.

Seven passengers' cars had been left on the train because staff forgot to unload one of the wagons.

A fuel spill had meant one of the wagons was left empty.

But when the train reached France staff unloaded the front carriage, not realising there were more behind the empty one.

The spokesman said: "Someone simply did not check behind the empty wagon."

The train crew realised what had happened on their way back to England but could do nothing until they arrived at the Cheriton terminal.

Staff there and then explained the situation to the affected passengers and apologised.