A group of Islanders who spent three nights sleeping at Moscow airport are hoping to be home tomorrow (Thursday).

The 14 people from the Noise on Sheppey Christian youth group, had been on a two-week fact-finding trip to China.

They managed to make it as far as Moscow, via Hong Kong, but they arrived there on Friday and flights were suspended because of the volcanic ash emergency, which has grounded flights for days.

On Monday they got a flight to Nice in France and they are now hoping to be back on Sheppey by tomorrow.

Rev Steve Barber and Rev Dave Baxter are on the trip with the youngsters.

Rev Barber said the trip has been a real eye-opener to many in the group.

He said: “The two week trip has been fantastic.

“We helped out at a rural potato project, helping locals improve their standard of living, and also supported a special cafe which helps students from minority groups improve their English.”

Speaking about sleeping in the corridors at the airport, Rev Barber added that it had been a challenge.

He said: “We had no bedding, no access to our luggage and there was little communication.

“We had to queue up three times a day for meal vouchers - this took between two and four hours each time.

"The British Embassy gave us fantastic support and worked tirelessly to negotiate with the reluctant authorities.”

• See this week’s STG for more stories of stranded Islanders.