A DREAM trip to see Egypt's ancient antiquities turned into a terrifying ordeal for a Williton couple caught up in the ongoing unrest and chaos in the trouble-torn north African state.

Retired farmer Paul Gliddon and his wife Bridget flew into Cairo for a 12-day break last Thursday.

But instead of visiting pyramids, temples and tombs the couple found themselves dodging tanks and violent anti-government demonstrations as thousands of protesters called for the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak.

And after being confined to their hotel for a day, 72-year-old Paul and Bridget, 61, discovered their holiday was being cut short and they would have to flee the country - after just three days.

Initially unable to contact their family when the mobile phone network went down, they were relieved to be told they were being evacuated on a special British Airways flight carrying British Embassy staff and their families.

But they then had to endure a nightmare wait at the city's overcrowded airport: "It was horrendous," said Bridget.

"We were told there were 40,000 people trying to get out and the seats on our flight reportedly cost £2,000 each.

"It took us five hours to check in and we literally only had the space we were standing in.

'People were being shoved from all sides - two men in our group fell to the ground and were almost trampled underfoot.

"It was extremely frightening in that departure hall. There were no security staff, no police, just the army."

Paul and Bridget were staying about 35 kilometres outside Cairo but half of their 30-strong group - all travelling with tour company Titan - were in a hotel in the city centre and had their bus stoned.

"Luckily we weren't caught up directly in any violence but the journey to the airport last Sunday was worrying to say the least," said Bridget.

"We saw masses of tanks - at least 50 - and burned-out cars and buildings.

"We certainly witnessed the after-effects of what had gone on."

The Gliddons should have been exploring the sights of Cairo, followed by a cruise down the Nile on their first visit to Egypt.

When the political trouble erupted a few days before their departure date, they checked with their tour company but were told it was fine to travel.

"On our first full day in Cairo we did manage to go on an organised trip to the pyramids and the Sphinx," said Bridget.

"But by Saturday we were being told not to go outside the hotel at all."

The couple, who have three children and 12 grandchildren between them, were unable to ring home and tell their family they were all right until Saturday night.

"They were obviously worried about us and relieved when we were finally able to get through to them," said Bridget.

"We just feel exceedingly lucky that we managed to get home when we did."

"We felt so helpless but the tour company was marvellous and we're grateful that they got us out so quickly.

"I have to admit that we were shaking by the end. When we finally got through check-in, we just sat on the floor with our backs against a wall.

"I honestly don't think we will ever go back to Egypt."

Paul added: "It certainly wasn't a pleasant experience. Fortunately, we're in good health and reasonably fit but it still shook us up.

"It's not something we ever want to go through again."

Photo: Steve Guscott