A FAMILY of refugees forced to flee their home on the volcanic island of Montserrat, have found a safe haven in Preston.

Diana West and her family lived in the shadow of the mountain for the past two years, watching in fear as eruptions increased and threatened to destroy their world.

But six weeks ago, thanks to the Government and help from relative Maria Forbes, of Porter Street, they abandoned their home for the safety of Britain.

"It was very traumatic leaving everything behind," said Diana who's staying at a refuge in Edmund Street: "We like Preston and we're comfortable here but I'd like to go home.

"That's where I spent all my life. I've no idea when I might be able to return, but it will be completely different then. There's been so much devastation."

Diana's grandson Clyne Silcott, 17, has settled in well, he starts college next week and he's already met with success on the sports field, gaining a coveted place in the town's new basketball team.

Clyne told the Citizen of life in Montserrat: "We lived in the South which has been totally destroyed. The whole town had to be relocated to the North of the island.

"You could see the volcano from my bedroom window. It was just a few miles away. When I was there, the volcano kept emitting short bursts but I knew it was only going to last two or three minutes, so I wasn't too bothered.

"But now I am worried about my family. I know people who have been hurt and some have been killed. I'm just happy that my family here are safe."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.