More stranded Brits back home

Around 2,200 holidaymakers rescued by a brand new cruise ship have finally returned to Britain.

The relieved passengers, who were caught out abroad by the Icelandic ash travel chaos, docked in Southampton refreshed by the 30-hour trip aboard the £500 million Celebrity Eclipse.

The tourists - many who had been stranded for up to seven days - embarked in Bilbao, Northern Spain, on Thursday, for the free cruise on the luxury ship.

Many had endured overnight coach journeys of up to 16 hours to get to the port and finally home, and tempers for some were short.

Guests were treated to beds, food and entertainment aboard the ship, which cancelled its inaugural celebrations to come to the rescue.

And in the final hours, the cruise line told passengers the drinks were free in what has been a publicity coup for the company.

The ship had sped to Southampton at its top speed of 24 knots to get people back because many on board were from Scotland, northern England, the Midlands and Wales and so had lengthy finals legs to complete.

A fleet of 65 coaches were at the port to get the passengers on the road.