Dorset students trapped in snow-bound USA (From Bournemouth Echo)

Dorset students trapped in snow-bound USA

8:00am Monday 8th February 2010 in

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BLIZZARDS blanketing the US capital have left 20 students from Poole Grammar School stranded in Washington DC.

The party of 22, which includes two members of staff, were due to fly back from Dulles International in Virginia after their five-day trip on Friday night but instead found themselves confined to the Harrington Hotel where they are staying.

The sixth form politics students should have arrived back in the country on Saturday morning after a few days visiting the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court as part of their course.

Bridget Manley, mother of Ben, 17, who is on the trip said: “It’s definitely been an adventure for them. I haven’t been able to speak to Ben because his phone isn’t working but apparently they are getting very bored.

“We knew the weather was going to be cold but didn’t envisage packing snow clothes. They’ll have a good story to tell when they get back – whenever that may be.

Angela Briggs, whose son Elliott Bailey, 17, is also on the trip, said: “Everywhere is shut so they are just going around the hotel. I think there is one shop in the area that is open.

“The last we heard from the school was that they were booked onto flights for Monday night but I think we will have to see if any flights are operating.

“It’ll be nice to have him home but I’m not worried. I know he is in good hands.

“They have had a tour around the White House and have been stopped by the FBI apparently so they will definitely have some stories to tell.

“We’ll just have to watch this space for the moment. Dulles airport had around 30 inches of snow when I last checked so we’ll wait to hear some news.”