Nearly 50 pupils at Clifton High School in Bristol had been due to fly from Bristol airport to Nice on Saturday morning (15 February) for their trip to the French Alps.

However, they learnt on Friday (14 February) their flight had been cancelled due to the high winds and heavy rain, with little hope of finding seats for nearly 50.

It was then Weston-super-Mare coach operator Bakers Dolphin stepped in: the team worked through the night to free up a coach; picked the children up at 9am on Saturday; and managed to book a spot on a P&O ferry to ensure the kids were on the slopes by Sunday.

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“We have to give our sincere and grateful thanks for the exceptional service received during a challenging weekend as a consequence of Storm Dennis,” said headteacher Dr Alison Neill.

“Faced with flight cancellation for two trips to a ski resort in France, they came to our rescue and transported our pupils safely and comfortably.

“They facilitated a journey from Bristol [and] across the Channel to an alternative destination, Grenoble. All were then able to continue the journey to the ski resort. Without the swift and reassuring intervention, the trips would have been cancelled.”

Amanda Harrington, Bakers Dolphin sales and marketing director, added: “The initial call was to put us on standby in case they were able to get a flight from another UK airport.

“When we heard about their predicament, we looked at how we might get them there.

“We have a great relationship with P&O Ferries and they and our drivers worked hard to ensure we were able to get to France.

“It was a great team effort and showed what could be done despite Storm Dennis.”