Shocked holidaymakers yesterday relived the nightmare of being caught up in a violent blockade at the Eurotunnel entrance in France.

Angry demonstrators terrorised a coach heading back to Castle Point after a weekend visiting the borough's twin town of Romainville, a suburb of Paris, by trying to force they way on board.

The party of 24 arrived at Calais on Monday hoping to board a return shuttle home - only to find themselves in the middle of an impromptu industrial dispute.

Roy Whiting, of the Friends of Romainville twinning with Castle Point, said: "It was absolutely terrifying.

"Cars and buses had been piling up for at least three hours and only the quick-thinking of our driver prevented us joining the queue."

To avoid the lengthy jams, coach driver Rod Brailey, 27, of Milestone Coaches, in Charfleets Road, Canvey, made a dash to avoid the French unions' blockade.

He managed to get through - only to find the coach surrounded by an angry mob shouting abuse at those inside and kicking the vehicle.

Mr Whiting added: "He knew a short cut and drove right across some grass to get right up to the barrier.

"Yet the French surrounded the coach and tried to get on board. Some were trying to come in the door and one tried to grab one of the girls. It was a nightmare, especially as there were elderly passengers and young children on board.

"We had to break through a barrier and we ended up being the first away. The police did nothing, they just stood there with their arms folded."

Mr Brailey earned widespread praise for his quick-thinking. Simon Brailey, his younger brother and a manager of the firm, said: "Rod had to go straight back to Europe again as soon as he got back.

"We are glad he got home in one piece and safely. All the passengers were in full agreement with trying to get through the blockade.

"Rod's driving is of a high standard, as is everyone's at Milestone. He has a lot of experience and he knows a lot of backways into the shuttle and that's what saved the day. People just wanted to get home. He saw the chance and he went for it."

The coach was on its way back home by about 4pm on Monday. The unofficial action had begun at about 9.15am and was said to have been called in a bid to get Eurotunnel to employ more staff.

Rod Brailey, with holiday-makers Nikki Sharp, Imogen Bexfield and mum, Cindy Bexfield

Picture: JOHN McLELLAN

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