Passengers miss out on steamer trip

Passengers were offered refunds or alternative trips

Nearly 400 people were left on a Somerset pier when a day trip to Lundy island was cancelled at short notice.

They had arrived in Clevedon from around the region and from further afield to go aboard the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, the Waverley.

Waverley spokesman Commander Tom Foden said the decision was taken just before the 0800 BST sailing on Saturday because of the latest information about weather conditions.

"Further down the Bristol Channel there was a strong easterly wind and there would have been a real swell near Lundy," he told BBC News Online.

'Disappointed and fed up'

"We explained to people that the decision was in their interests.

"We did not take the decision earlier as it had been just as likely that the weather would improve and the trip would have gone ahead.

"It was so disappointing - particularly for some people who had travelled a long way.

"There were a few who had come from as far away as London, Southend and Birmingham."

Commander Foden said most people were very understanding although they had been "fed up". He said he had received one angry complaint.

Passengers were offered refunds or tickets for alternative trips on Sunday - but they did not include Lundy.