A CHEF trapped in Beirut was due to be evacuated by a British warship today.

Camille Chehab was hoping to escape war-torn Lebanon with his fiance, Misha.

Speaking to The Press from Beirut, Camille said he was on a list of British citizens due to be shipped to safety in Cyprus.

In yesterday's The Press, we revealed how Camille escaped death by seconds after the road behind the car he was driving was bombed by Israeli warplanes.

Since our report, the home of his Lebanese mother has also been damaged by a bomb blast.

Camille said: "It is hell here. My mum's house has also been bombed, because a convoy of trucks was passing near to it."

But Camille, 48, who works at the Blacksmith's Arms in Newton-on-Ouse, near York, will now be able to return home with his fiance.

Luckily, the paperwork for Misha's British citizenship was completed only a few weeks ago, so she too is entitled to evacuation.

Camille was born in Lebanon, but has lived in Britain for the last 20 years. He travelled to Beirut days before the current conflict erupted to finalise the arrangements for his marriage. He said it was "an unbelievable coincidence" that war had broken out around him.

Misha was originally due to fly to North Yorkshire in September but is now likely to arrive somewhat earlier than planned.

The first wave of British evacuees was rescued from Lebanon on Tuesday by the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Gloucester. The Gloucester and HMS York will continue to sail back and forth between Beirut and Cyprus for as long as they are needed.

Back home in Newton-on-Ouse, the news that Camille is soon to be reunited with his three teenage daughters, his friends and his colleagues was greeted with joy.

Lesley Mimms, landlady at the Blacksmith's Arms, said she was delighted Camille was on his way home. She said: "It's wonderful news. We can't wait to see him again it's like he's part of the family to us."