BRITS stranded abroad will be helped to return home after the government agreed to work with commercial airlines on repatriation.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced the Foreign office has set aside £75 million to charter flights where commercial routes are no longer running.

Mr Raab said: "I can today announce a new arrangement between the Government and airlines to fly home tens of thousands of stranded British travellers, where commercial flights are no longer possible.

"Under the arrangements that we are putting in place we will target flights from a range of priority countries, starting this week.

Virgin, easyJet, Jet2 and Titan Airways signed a memorandum of understanding negotiated by the Foreign Secretary and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Monday.

Mr Raab said airlines would be responsible for getting passengers home where commercial routes remain an option.

He added: "That means offering alternative flights at little to no cost where routes have been cancelled, and it means allowing passengers to change tickets - including between carriers.

"So for those still in those countries where commercial options are still available: don't wait. Don't run the risk of getting stranded. The airlines are standing by to help you - please book your tickets as soon as possible." Further information is available for travellers on the Government's foreign travel advice website.

Malvern resident Denis Chirgwin, who is stuck on the Costa del Sol with his wife and pet dog, said there is still no update for British travellers who have driven abroad.

He said: "Although £75 million have been put aside to repatriate UK Citizens through air travel, I believe that there are, like us many thousands without ferries that have been travelling in cars and they seem to be the forgotten few."