A holidaymaker from Essex was trapped in the Dominican Republic for almost a week as it was savaged by Hurricane Georges.

Rosemary Warren, who runs Dillons newsagency, in Frinton Road, Kirby, was unable to fly back from the paradise island at the end of her two-week holiday.

Rosemary, who was holidaying with a friend, was forced to stay put as the 150mph hurricane - which has so far claimed more than 250 lives - raged on.

Hotel windows were boarded up and all moveable objects made secure.

Telephone lines and electricity was down and alcohol banned as the hurricane wreaked havoc.

A state of emergency has been called on some of the islands.

About 100,000 people have been left homeless.

Airlines are now flying in and out of the country again and Miss Warren was expected home at the weekend .

Sarah Hawkins, assistant manageress, said that staff had a worrying time waiting to hear news of their boss.

"We were quite worried when we heard what was going on out there.

"At first we did not know if she had been caught up in the hurricane.

"However she telephoned and told one of the other staff that the area in which they had been staying had been hit but that they were all right.

"I believe it was pretty bad and the Dominica took the full blast, as did some of the other islands.

"However the main thing was that she is safe and sound. The hotel was not damaged and they were staying there until they could get a flight back."

Spice Girl Mel B was forced to scrap her honeymoon to Antigua with new husband Jimmy Gulzar because of the ferocious storm.

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