THE devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan has left thousands of people in the Caribbean homeless.

But one Radcliffe man is helping to pick up the pieces after marrying on the island of Grenada last year.

David Roberts, and his wife Hayley, both aged 41, of Mandon Close, enjoyed a two-week stay on the island, and made friends with locals with whom they keep in contact, via e-mail.

Last week the couple watched with horror as the hurricane swept across the island, destroying 90 per cent of the properties.

Mr Roberts, a self-employed bathroom specialist, said: "We have close ties with Grenada as Hayley and I married there last year, and I even started a business with one of the locals. I help to fund a delivery business which uses scooters on the island because it is one of the quickest ways to get around.

"I have found out that my partner Bobby, who runs the firm, is okay, although I haven't been able to contact him myself."

Now Mr Roberts is pleading for items for a relief fund, to be flown out to the island this weekend to help the 60,000 people reported to be homeless.

He said: "Caribbean properties are usually made of wood, and as the last hurricane there was about 50 years ago, it is not a problem they have to deal with every year. This has come as a big shock to the locals."

Mr Roberts is hoping that he can collect dried food, clothing and basic toiletries. But he says that looters and armed pirates have been stealing food and aid as it is brought to the island.

Mr Roberts also hopes to fly out himself to help with rebuilding. He said: "There would be no point rushing out there at the moment with building equipment because they are concentrating on getting aid to people who have no homes. Once the building materials are there, I plan to go over.

He added: "I know of one person who now has about 40 people living in his home with him. I just can't imagine what they are going through."

The country's main export is nutmeg, but it will take about seven years to replenish the supply, and about 15 years to rebuild the island. Anyone who has any items to donate to the aid effort should contact Mr Roberts on 0161 959 2536.