Travel agent Peter Bush had a lucky escape by catching the last available flight from Barbados to the UK before the island was ravaged by Hurricane Ivan.

Mr Bush, of Kiln Road, Thundersley, travelled to Barbados for a friend's wedding on Saturday, August 31 and enjoyed five days of glorious sunshine.

He thought nothing of it when a tropical storm warning was issued on the Friday but became seriously worried when this was upgraded to a full blown hurricane warning two days later.

He luckily managed to transfer his flight, so flew home a day earlier than scheduled.

Mr Bush, reservations manager for Hadleigh firm Supreme Holidays, said: "Everyone was desperately trying to get away at the airport. People were prepared to fly anywhere just to get off the island.

"It was a bit of a bumpy ride as we took off. But by the time we were in the air my only thoughts were of relief."