PLANS for a new life on the paradise island of Grenada have turned into a rescue mission for a Radcliffe man and his family.

David Roberts and his wife, Hayley, fell in love with the Caribbean island when they married there 10 months ago.

During their two-week stay, they made many friends and Mr Roberts even helped set up a delivery business.

On their return home to Mandon Close, Radcliffe, the couple, both aged 41, kept in touch with the islanders by phone and e-mail.

But they watched the news with horror last week as Hurricane Ivan devastated the island they hoped to make their home within the next five years.

"It is a very tiny place, only 20 miles by 10 miles, and the eye of the hurricane was actually bigger than the island," said Mr Roberts, a father-of-four.

"Ninety per cent of all the properties on the island were destroyed. The hurricane took people's possessions and everything is gone."

Grenada relies on nutmeg and tourism for its income. Both industries were wiped out by the hurricane.

Mr Roberts has been in touch with the Grenada High Commission in London and is organising aid parcels to help the 60,000 homeless people on the island.

"I am just itching to drop everything to go and help," said Mr Roberts, a specialist bathroom fitter.

He was on the phone to his business partner, Bobby Steele, on the island when the hurricane hit. Although communications are currently poor, he has heard Mr Steele survived the deadly storm which killed about 40 people on the island.

Mr Roberts is hoping people will rally round and donate any unwanted toys or summer clothing, especially childrenswear, to help the islanders.

Donations can be taken to his home at 5 Mandon Close, or he can be contacted on 0161 959 2536 for collections.

He will deliver the donated goods to the high commission, which is arranging flights to take the aid to the island. "I am determined to do all I can," he said.