Villagers on a coach-trip to visit British war graves in France had a surprise on their return.

When the 43-strong party from Hollingbourne stopped at Hasteds in Eyhorne Street at around 9.30pm on Saturday night to unload their suitcases, out popped an immigrant from underneath the coach.

John Cobbett, one of the organisers of the two-day trip, said: “He was in some physical distress, but he was smiling all over, clearly delighted to be in Hollingbourne.”

The man, who did not speak English, began to hobble away, but had only gone 20 yards when the villagers recovered from their surprise and collared him.

Mr Cobbett said: “We actually had an off-duty immigration officer and two magistrates among the party, so perhaps he chose the wrong coach to stow away on.”

How the man got aboard is a mystery. Mr Cobbett said: “We stopped within the secure area at Calais and we all had to get off while border control officers searched the coach.

“My wife and I were among the last off and we saw that officers had the luggage flap up and were searching inside and underneath the coach.”

After the villagers were allowed back on, they joined the queue and boarded the P&O ship Spirit of France, with no further delays.

Mr Cobbett said: “The man emerged from the engine compartment, which was separate from the luggage area.

“He was quite slim, but it must have been very cramped and very hot in there.”

Police were called and took the man away.

Mr Cobbett said: “He put up no resistance and was still smiling. I guess he knew he was here for while at least.”

Police said: “A 27-year-old man of unknown nationality has been handed over to the immigration authorities.”

Villagers had earlier toured graves and memorials to some of the 25 Hollingbourne men who had died in France and Belgium during the First World War.

As well as going to the British cemeteries, visits were made to Essex Farm, the Langemark German Cemetery, the Hooge Crater, the Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Thiepval Memorial. They attended the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate and their last stop before Calais was the Ploegsteert War Memorial.

Wreaths and poppies were also laid on behalf of fallen soldiers from Harrietsham.