FRIENDS of a group of young fencers stranded in China after their flight home was grounded by the Icelandic volcano have made morale-boosting video messages for them.

A party of 23 adults and children from Durham City’s Laszlo’s Fencing Club spent two weeks at a fencing training camp in Bejing and were due to fly home a week ago.


But the grounding of all flights because of the volcano meant they never left and they were told their departure has been put back until May 4.

The British Embassy has stepped in since then, and it is hoped an earlier solution can be found.

Among the party are five pupils from Durham High School for Girls – Maddy and Fran Whitfield, Emily Wren and Georgia and Lauren Macmillan.

Yesterday, the school produced a video of greetings to them that will be posted on the school website and on YouTube.

Headteacher Ann Templeman said: “There is a chance they could get an earlier flight.

“While they have enjoyed the experience, they want to come home to family and friends.’’ Group leader Beth Davidson, of the club, said: “The embassy is working hard to get us home.

“China Southern airlines is not willing to provide a plane, so it is discussing with Virgin and BA to charter a flight to get all the people in Beijing home.”

She added that fencing coach Laszlo Jakad had been taken to hospital after suffering food poisoning, but has now been discharged.

“I hope he will be strong enough to fly as this would be a very big blow to us,” she said.

“The Chinese Fencing Centre has been a lifesaver, sorting out medical fees, food and accommodation.’’ A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: “Consular staff in Beijing were contacted by a school fencing team on Monday and have remained in touch throughout the week.

“They have arranged for the children to attend the British School in Beijing, which is providing tuition free of charge, and the ambassador has been liaising with their airline – encouraging them to lay on extra flights to get the children home as soon as possible.

“Our staff worldwide continue to work hard to assist British nationals in distress and we will continue to maintain pressure on airlines and travel providers to put on additional flights.”