THE volcanic ash that has hung over Britain for the past week failed to cloud the post-Easter holiday return to work for north Cotswold schools, though it has caused problems for one prospective parliamentary candidate.

Although the Cotswold School in Bourton had three teachers stranded abroad – in Italy, South America and North America – due to flight restrictions, deputy head Richard Thompson said it was business as usual.

“It was probably less than we feared,” said Mr Thompson. “It’s something we can cope with in the normal way. We get supply teachers in.” He said he believed 20 to 30 pupils were absent as a result of being stuck overseas.

“Any lesson missed is disappointing and we would like to get them back as soon as possible.”

At Chipping Campden School, secretary Ellie Chandler said not many students were caught up in the chaos and there had been no effect on teaching.

One of Tory leader David Cameron’s opponents in the Witney parliamentary constituency has not been so fortunate.

Paul Wesson, from Carterton, who is standing as an Independent in the constituency that includes Chipping Norton and the surrounding area of West Oxfordshire, has been working in the Sudan and is stuck in Khartoum.

He told the Journal: “I am desperate to get out and knock doors. I have a web presence, but meeting the electors is the best part of campaigning. I was hoping to devote a day to each large town and village, but I will be very limited by the time I get back “I’d hate the good people of Chippy to think I was being ignorant by not campaigning amongst them when I have no choice in the matter.”