by Jo Sword

A Dunkirk-style rescue mission to bring stranded travellers home from France yesterday could not help as many people as planned.

A fleet of five 10-man speedboats wanted to help those stuck in Calais get back to the UK by bringing them to Dover.

It comes as thousands remain stranded abroad as the disruption to air transport continues because of volcanic ash coming from Iceland.

The operation was instigated by TV presenter Dan Snow, who got the idea after working on a TV programme about the 70 anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation.

Despite all their best efforts officials in Calais blocked their plans and only allowed them to bring home 25 people before the operation had to stop.

Mr Snow said: "We have got a lot of mates stuck over there. I have got a lot of people texting me now.

"It is quite scary if you don't even know if you can get back across the Channel.

"We were unable to deliver it and I am disappointed, we have left a lot of people behind and I feel like I have let them down."

Are you, or do you know of anyone, stranded abroad due to the volcanic ash cloud? Contact us by emailing us atkentonlinenews@thekmgroup.co.uk