A York family expressed relief today after hearing that their son had escaped the devastating floods in Mozambique.

Jonathan Lansley, 32, who is a former pupil of Joseph Rowntree School, York, managed to send an email to his father, Martin, and stepmother, Jo, who live in Strensall, letting them know that he was safe and well. They were in fear for his safety after watching television news reports showing the shocking effects of the floods in Mozambique - the worst for 40 years.

The couple acquired an email address so they could contact him. His message sent on March 3 said: "Thank you for your concern but I am fine now, thanks. Although Maputo had some heavy rain some time back the city itself is now unaffected."

Jon, who graduated from Plymouth University with a fisheries studies degree, lived in Cornwall, working for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries before he went out to Mozambique in November 1998.

He is in the capital, Maputo, on a two-year stint, teaching local tribespeople fishing techniques. His first task on arriving in Mozambique was to do a Portuguese language training course so he could converse with the local people.

The project is organised by international development charity Skillshare Africa, which trains people in practical skills in developing countries.

The overall objective of Jonathan's contract was to promote activities in Mozambique's fishing communities resulting in increased levels of income and social welfare.

His stepmother, Jo, works on the switchboard at the Evening Press. She said: "We were very worried as to his whereabouts after seeing the awful scenes on television. I am so pleased he is okay.

"It's a good job we got an email address because letters may never get there."

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