BRIAN and Pat Drinkall have told how their dream holiday to the pyramids was wrecked after they were evac-from riot torn Cairo.

The English Bicknor couple were seen on the main BBC news telling reporter Wyre Davies what it was liked to be trapped in the Cairo Marriott which was just half a mile from Tahrir Square.

And the following day their holiday company evacuated them from Egypt, just as the peaceful protest started to turn into bloody clashes.

"It was very disappointing because we had a wonderful first day and I was looking forward to the rest of the tour," said Pat, chairman of English Bicknor Parish Council.

"But I was very relieved we were coming home. It felt like the centre of Cairo was not the place to be and we wanted to get out before things escalated.

"I just feel sorry for the Egyptian people, especially those who rely so much on tourism."

When Pat and husband Brian flew out to the Egyptian capital a week ago for a 12 day tour, the situation was good natured but noisy as protesters calling for President Hosni Mubarak to step down took to the streets.

The following day their small party had a fantastic day at the pyramids at Giza but returned to Cairo to find protesters had blocked the main roads into the city.

There was a frightening moment when children dropped rocks on the roof of the coach as it went through an underpass but after being repeatedly turned back, the driver eventually found a way into the city down a back alley.

When they got back to the hotel, where the press pack including John Simpson and Jeremy Bowen were staying, communications with the outside world had been cut off and security was tight..

Their hotel balcony overlooked the bridge leading to the main square which has since become the scene of violent clashes and they spent Saturday watching the tanks and protesters flooding over the Nile.

Although they did not witness any violence, they were relieved when the holiday company told them they were being evacuated the following morning.

"When we got to the airport it was bedlam," said Brian. "There were so many people trying to get on planes it was complete chaos.

"It took us three hours to move about 150 yards to the British Airways check in desk. They were totally overwhelmed by the number of people trying to get out and it was horrendous.

"The plane waited until everybody with a ticket was on board and when it eventually took off, it was three and half hours late."

Mrs Drinkall says the airport was the most frightening experience of the trip. They were worried they would miss the plane and be trapped in Cairo.

Since getting back the couple says they have been touched by the concern of people who have contacted them after seeing them on TV or hearing about their trip.

"I'm glad we came home when we did but I'm hoping we will be able to go back when things have calmed down," said Mr Drinkall.