Ash disruption to last another 48 hours

The volcanic ash cloud passing over the UK is expected to cause "significant disruption" to air services for at least another 48 hours, transport secretary Lord Adonis has said.

Some Irish and Scottish flights and a limited number of services from Manchester operated earlier today but nearly all flights in England have remained grounded.

Air traffic control body Nats extended its restrictions on UK airspace until at least 7am on Saturday.

Lord Adonis said he had spoken to the Met Office, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Nats following the eruption in Iceland.