A FLIGHT to America, which was forced to take an unexpected diversion, saw an Upton Warren man stranded in a remote part of Canada - on the day terrorists attacked the USA.

Barry Smith, of Upton Warren, spent five days in Newfoundland when his flight from Gatwick to Houston was grounded on September 11.

After 29 hours aboard the plane with little more than a dry cheese roll each, all passengers were transported by bus to a town in the north called Gambo, said Barry.

He added: "Townspeople warmly welcomed the bewildered travellers, providing nourishment, shelter and entertainment."

A TV was set up and for the first time, Barry and fellow passengers saw the full horror of the attacks.

When a flight was finally rescheduled to Houston, Barry said there were tearful farewells between tourists and townsfolk.

He is currently in the USA and e-mailed the Advertiser to say: "I would sincerely hope that, God forbid, if a similar event takes place and we are called upon, we could offer the same hospitality in Britain."