Irish tourists return to safety in Bolivia

Three Irish tourists who spent two weeks stranded in a remote South American village are back on their travels and in good health.

The Irish consulate in Bolivia has confirmed that the three returned to the capital La Paz by bus last night, after farmers protesting against crackdowns on coca crop growing temporarily lifted their road blockades.

Coca, the plant from which cocaine is harvested, is the main source of income for many of the region's impoverished farmers.

The Irish honorary consulate in La Paz, Peter O'Toole, said they were never in any danger. The trio were among a group of 20 tourists trapped in the remote Andean town of Sorata.