Coach Operator Bakers Dolphin stepped in when Storm Dennis threatened to ruin a half term ski trip for 47 Bristol school children.

The group from Clifton High School, Bristol were due to fly from Bristol Airport to Nice on Saturday morning but learned on Friday that the flight had been cancelled because of the weather and there was little prospect of seats being available for days.

Weston-Super-Mare coach operator Bakers Dolphin were told about the problem and worked through the night to make a coach available; picked up the children at 9am on Saturday; booked a space on P & O ferries and the children were on the slopes on Sunday.

Dr Alison Neill, Head of School, said:

“We have to give our sincere and grateful thanks for the exceptional service received during a challenging weekend as a consequence of storm Dennis. Faced with flight cancellation for two trips to ski resort in France they came to our rescue and transported our pupils safely and comfortably.

“They facilitated a journey from Bristol, across the Channel to an alternative destination Grenoble. All were then able to continue the journey to the ski resort. Without the swift and reassuring intervention, the trips would have been cancelled.”

Amanda Harrington, Sales and Marketing Director of Bakers Dolphin, said:

“The initial call was to put us on standby in case they were able to get a flight from another UK airport. When we heard about their predicament, we looked at how we might get them there.

“We have a great relationship with P&O Ferries and they and our drivers worked hard to ensure we were able to get to France. It was a great team effort and showed what could be done despite Storm Dennis.”