'We're worried' - Freshwater family as volunteer Islander tries to get home

Nineteen-year-old Lauren Bromley has been trying to find flights home, but prices are soaring and many are being suddenly cancelled.

Lauren has been working with a volunteer project called Think Pacific. The project continues to support her, says Lauren's sister Emma.

On Monday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told British citizens to return home as soon as possible.

Sister Emma Bromley told the Isle of Wight County Press: "Lauren has been trying to leave since the Fijian government basically closed down the country on Friday, in response to their first case.

"She is really struggling to find flights home - we have been trying for days. 

"Trying to contact the flight operators and the travel agents is proving extremely difficult as they are overwhelmed with calls.

"We are really worried about the latest announcement from the government, suggesting that they may not do any further emergency repatriation flights."

Lauren has to fly home over a number of stages, but some countries have closed their borders to all but their own citizens.

She is calling for more support and communication from the government for volunteers overseas. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office told the Isle of Wight County Press said: "We recognize British tourists abroad are finding it difficult to return to the UK because of the unprecedented international travel and domestic restrictions that are being introduced around the world – often with very little or no notice.

"The FCO is working around the clock to support British travellers in this situation to allow them to come back to the UK. The Government is seeking to keep key transit routes open as long as possible and is in touch with international partners and the airline industry to make this happen. Consular staff are supporting those with urgent need while providing travel advice and support to those still abroad."