Ref. 22277-13 Butcher Andrew Sears A HIGHWORTH couple who went to Florida to get married found themselves caught up in the lethal hurricane Charley, which passed right over their holiday villa in Florida.

Local butcher Andy Sears and bride Jo were staying at Southern Dunes in Polk County when the hurricane struck, killing 13 people in a swathe of destruction.

The couple, who have been together eight years, were with children Mark and Chloe and Jo's parents for their wedding at the Hilton Clearwater Beach resort and contacted Andy's mother Wendy on Thursday night to say that despite the approaching storm, everything had gone without a hitch.

But it wasn't until yesterday that they were able to get a message out to the UK that they were alive and well, although their telephone and electricity was still out.

Wendy said: "I didn't really know about the hurricane until I called in the shop and one of the boys in there said he wondered how Andrew was getting on."

She said that when Andy had called just before it hit they weren't sure if they were going to have to get in the car and drive to safety.

The pair from Barra Close, who are due home on August 22, had also been interviewed by American TV channels CNN and Fox News.

After that she heard nothing because telephone and power lines were down.

Andrew works at Andrew's Quality Meats in Highworth.

Villa owner Siobhan Johnston, who lives in Shrivenham, said Jo had managed to call her from a supermarket while they were trying to find milk.

"The electrics are out, the little one is suffering from asthma, food is scarce and it is not a nice situation," said Mrs Johnston.

"I am just trying to find them some alternative accommodation and hope to contact them later this evening once they have moved."

Earlier she said her agents had been to see the villa, which appeared to have got through unscathed.

She understood that the couple were safe and well.

The hurricane had passed over Southern Dunes and caused heavy damage in nearby Haines City, a small town.

"It is the hurricane season, but normally it is not this early," she said.

"It must have been awfully worrying."

Tina Clarke