AN Oswaldtwistle relief worker is to help villagers in Jamaica rebuild their lives after one of the most powerful hurricanes in decades struck the Caribbean island.

Elaine Partridge was due to deliver £600 worth of clothing, toys and cash to the island's poverty-stricken south coast last Wednesday.

But airline Air Jamaica cancelled all flights fearing for the safety of passengers as Hurricane Ivan hurtled towards the island.

She was hoping to be on her way there today.

More than half a million Jamaicans were told to evacuate and hundreds of British tourists were airlifted to the Dominican Republic to escape the 155mph winds of the hurricane, dubbed 'Ivan the Terrible' by locals.

The storm has killed 56 people across the Caribbean in the past week, including 34 in Grenada and 11 in Jamaica.

Ivan stalked Jamaica's southern coast with ferocious waves and winds just below the top of the scale Category 5.

Elaine, 43, of Haslingden Old Road, began regular trips to the Westmoreland farming district on Jamaica's south coast after being shocked at the hardship suffered by locals during a holiday in February.

She also experienced first-hand the effects of a hurricane after being trapped in a hotel room as Hurricane Charley brushed past the island during another trip last month.

Jamaica escaped the full brunt of Charley but strong winds and torrential rainfall closed roads, tore down homes and caused sewage to seep into the water system.

Over the weekend, Hurricane Ivan caused two-storey high waves to lash the Jamaican coastline.

Strong winds and torrential rain knocked down power lines, uprooted trees and ripped off roofs.

Elaine said: "I'm so worried I didn't sleep at all on Thursday night.

"I spent the whole time watching the news and calling my friends there.

"I'm particularly worried about one friend who lives in a wooden house and is refusing to leave despite warnings.

"She's sent her children to find shelter in the local church. She won't leave because she's saved for three years to build the house and doesn't want to lose it.

"What people don't realise is that after a hurricane a country like Jamaica has problems with sewage coming through the taps."

Elaine is appealing for people to donate clothing or saleable items, such as DVDs and videos, to help raise money for the island's devastated population.

She can be contacted through the Evening Telegraph newsdesk on 01254 298229.