Weather maroons children on island

The school holds annual trips to Flat Holm Island

A group of school children are playing Treasure Island after being marooned on an island nature reserve because of bad weather conditions.

But the year seven pupils from Barry Comprehensive are more than happy to stay on the island because it means missing a day of school.

The 15 boys, accompanied by three teachers, went to Flat Holm Island in the Bristol Channel on Wednesday as part of an annual school trip.

They were due to return on Thursday morning, but a dramatic change in weather conditions meant that they will have to spend an extra night on the island which sits in the middle of the Bristol Channel, six miles from Barry.

Head teacher of Barry Comprehensive, David Swallow, said that the children were enjoying the excitement of the situation.

"We hold an activities week every year, where the children get involved in all sorts of different activities," he said.

The boys are being marvellous though. They all seem to be enjoying the idea of being marooned on the island David Swallow, head teacher

"One of the things we put on is a trip to Flat Holm, where the children take part in a variety of activities including orienteering.

"The children stay in the hostels overnight and make meals outside on barbecues.

"They were due to come back today, but the weather changed and we are now waiting for the tides and weather to settle before we can get them home.

"The boys are being marvellous though. They all seem to be enjoying the idea of being marooned on the island - but I'm not sure how the three members of staff feel about it," he laughed.

The waters are too rough for the children to return home

Mr Swallow said that all of the parents had been informed about the situation and were happy that the children were safe.

"Everyone knows what is going on and the children are safe and are being looked after well.

"They will do some more activities during the day and will stay in the hostels again tonight and will be well fed," he added.

The children will return to Barry as soon as the weather conditions improve.