THE chief executive of Cambridgeshire County Council is among thousands of people stranded across the world because of Iceland s volcanic ash cloud. Mark Lloyd is stuck in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was due to fly home to Cambridgeshire on Friday (April

THE chief executive of Cambridgeshire County Council is among thousands of people stranded across the world because of Iceland's volcanic ash cloud.

Mark Lloyd is stuck in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was due to fly home to Cambridgeshire on Friday (April 16) from Boston. But his airline has now rescheduled the flight for next Saturday (April 24).

Mr Lloyd said: "The biggest problem has been getting a new hotel room because of demand caused by Boston's marathon and public holiday. There's a strange symmetry to my life because the new hotel is in Cambridge - unfortunately the one in Massachusetts.

"I've secured another flight for Wednesday with a different airline but that's looking increasingly doubtful."

Air traffic control service Nats has extended flight restrictions until 0100 BST tomorrow as the volcanic ash cloud continues to spread across the UK.

Mr Lloyd said: "Thankfully, I was travelling with my laptop computer and through the wonders of telecommunications am having a very productive time working from my hotel room.

"The worst aspect is being away from my wife.

"But stuff happens. The situation is beyond our individual control and we all just need to adapt to the new circumstances. The eruption is a reminder of our personal insignificance compared to the Earth's natural forces."

He added: "All the other stranded Brits are adjusting their mindsets and preparing to run their lives as best as they can from this temporary home.