The cloud of volcanic ash that has grounded flights across Europe has caused inconvenience and frustration for travellers - but it has also helped muster a spirit of determination as people try to get home.

While thousands remain stranded abroad - see and hear from some of those who battled across Europe and were lucky enough to get back to the UK.

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First image courtesy Marco Fulle/Stromboli Online. All other images, unless stated otherwise, courtesy PA, AP, AFP and Getty Images.
Not all images have captions. Music by REM, Judie Tzuke, Pat Benatar, Frank Sinatra, Dwight Yoakam and Vera Lynn.

Slideshow production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 20 April 2010.

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