The family caught the 0830 train from Folkestone, Kent

Emma tells the BBC News website: "We caught the 0830 train from Folkestone, which meant we were in the tunnel just after 0900 - and that is when the train broke down.

"We were stuck underground until just after 1500 UK time.

"The power was off and the only light came from the car headlights in the carriage.

"It became very hot after a while and doctors on the train were asked to attend to three babies."

Emma has three young children, a six-year-old, a three-year-old and an 11-month-old baby. Fortunately, she and her family are all fine.

"We're just a little hot and flustered although temperatures did get up to 30C." she says.

We will be getting the ferry on the way home Emma Collins

"All the train announcements were very confusing and unhelpful.

"They started off by saying that they would get another engine to tow us out. Then they said they would send engineers to fix the problem instead.

"They changed their minds several times before we were eventually towed out onto French soil."

The train emerged at Calais and stood there for some moments - but the family's ordeal was not over.

"The train staff would not allow us to open any doors or windows to let in any fresh air. We said we would open the doors anyway and so they agreed.

"We were travelling down from Leeds to see my father who lives in Brittany, so we've had quite a journey.