A DEVASTATED newly-wed couple from East Lancashire have been left trapped in their hotel by the African terrorism crisis.

William and Victoria Slater, who married at St Philip's Church, Padiham, after being together for 15 months, are stranded in the beach hotel in north Mombasa.

They say they have been advised not to leave the hotel.

The pair have watched in horror as news of terrorist attacks in Morocco and threats to other East African countries unfolded on satellite television.

Victoria's parents, Frank and Vivian Latham, said the honeymoon, which included plans for safari, had been a dream come true for their daughter, a lifelong animal-lover who owns a livery and stud farm near their home in Simonstone.

But on Thursday last week, the British government halted all UK flights into and out of the country, prompted by what they called an "imminent" threat to civil aircraft.

Victoria, 30, and William, a 24-year-old joiner from Great Harwood, planned to stay in Kenya until this Sunday.

Both have been in contact with their worried families by telephone and say they do not want to abandon their £2,000 honeymoon with no compensation.

Mr Latham, 62, of Higher Trapp Farm, Simonstone, said: "The wedding was so beautiful and there was a wonderful reception afterwards. Who could have known that such a short time afterwards the happy couple would be trapped in the middle of a terrorist situation?

"A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and they were both looking forward to it so much when I took them to the airport the day after the wedding.

"Victoria was looking forward to seeing wild animals but instead she can only see the inside of a hotel.

"More than anything I just hope they are all right. Victoria has told me people over there are very frightened.

"I've spent £200 on phone calls but no-one seems able to do anything. They have been told not to leave their hotel, which is certainly not what they went to Kenya for.

"It's all well and good for the government to say flights can't go there, but what about the people stuck out there? Something should be done for them.

"The holiday company says it's an act of God, but this is a terrorist situation."

The couple were offered a flight directly out of Mombassa yesterday but did not take it because they cannot afford another honyemoon.

A spokesman for First Choice holidays said: "Our resort office has been in touch with the couple and they are doing everything they can.

"A flight was arranged to bring them home, but they chose to stay."