Worried Trowbridge woman Gina Stokes has spoken of her relief after her 19-year-old niece was found safe and well in the Philippines, but has urged Wiltshire people to continue their support for the stricken nation.

Mrs Stokes, 47, of Bond Street, spoke to the Wiltshire Times last week about her wait for news of Regine Alveza, who was missing after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the country. She was delighted this week when her niece was located.

She said: “We were without contact with her for three weeks, but I heard from my brother over there.

“I haven’t been able to speak to her yet, but my cousin has and she knows she’s safe with her employer, away from the damage.”

Mrs Stokes’s home village of Malibago was cut off and is still without power.

She said: “They survived the storm, but it’s still very dangerous, with people robbing and killing to find food.

“They are still hungry; they only receive two kilos of rice per family every three days, which if you have got eight children is only one meal.

“I am still giving donations to the Red Cross in Trowbridge and I spent all day on Tuesday there.”

Donations can be made at the Red Cross store in Silver Street, for the Philippines appeal.