A Liverton man whose flight home from Johannesburg was delayed four days becaue of the volcanic eruption has accused the National Express coach company of racketeering after being made to pay four times the usual charge for changing the date on his reservation.

Barrie Trower, of Flowers Meadow, said that when he landed at Heathrow airport on Friday, hordes of air travellers were queuing at the National Express desk to alter their bus and coach bookings.

Instead of the normal £5 fee, he said he was charged £20.80 for the privilege of being able to travel on his pre-booked ticket.

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