AFTER witnessing first-hand the devastation of the tsunami disaster, a Kendal family is urging holiday- makers to return to Thailand.

John and Melanie Tennant, of Windermere Road, and their family, have been visiting the country for 11 years and, despite the Boxing Day tragedy wiping out much of the coastal resorts just days before they were due to fly out, this year was no different.

Back on British soil after three weeks in Patong the family - including nine-year-old Christina and Thai-born Sara, five, - told the Gazette how locals had begged them to spread the word to friends and family that it is still a holiday hotspot.

"As soon as the Thai people realised we were English they urged us to spread the word that it is still a beautiful place to visit," said Mrs Tennant, 40. "They are working round-the-clock to get back on their feet but unless people start going back there, they can't."

Mrs Tennant explained the country holds a special place in her heart because her youngest daughter, Sara, came from a Songkhla orphanage.

"Once you have visited Thailand you will never want to go anywhere else again and while the children were frightened about going so soon after the tsunami, I am so glad we did. I would urge anyone else to do the same."