'Desperate worry' of crash family

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The family of a Lincolnshire couple believed to have died in a plane crash in Thailand have spoken of their "desperate worry" for the pair.

Neil Slater, 43, and his wife Helen, 31, from Scunthorpe, were listed as passengers on the flight, which crashed on the Thai island of Phuket.

Their friends, Stephen Saunby and Susan Howell, from Scunthorpe, were also listed. All four are presumed dead.

The family of Mr and Mrs Slater said they were a "devoted" couple.

Some 89 people, including eight British nationals, are thought to have died in the crash.

Mr and Mrs Slater, who worked as pub landlords, had been together for nine years and married in Thailand in August 2003.

In a statement, Mrs Slater's mother Heather Spindley and her brother David Spindley, and Mr Slater's parents Edna and Noel Slater, said the couple had been looking forward to their holiday to Thailand with two friends.

They said: "They are totally devoted to each other.

At least 89 people were killed when the plane skidded in heavy rain

"They work together 24 hours a day and are a great team, they do everything together.

"Neil is a proud father and is fondly known to his family and friends as Harry.

"Harry and Helen are a spontaneous couple, avid caravaners, enjoying trips to Derbyshire and Whitby, even when the weather was a bit wet.

"They are always there for their family and friends and would do anything for anyone.

"This is a desperately worrying time for the family and Harry and Helen's friends as we await news from Thailand."

Marriage plans

Meanwhile, neighbours of Mr Saunby and Ms Howell have spoken of their shock at news of the crash.

Next door neighbour Sarah Bailey, 27, said she thought the couple had planned to marry during their holiday.

She said: "I know her and Steve were talking about getting married and people round here are saying that's what they were doing out there."

Specially-trained family liaison officers have been working with the families of the two couples.

The accident is Thailand's worst aviation disaster since December 1998 when 101 people died after a Thai Airways plane crashed on landing near another southern resort.

Airline officials said the pilot of the plane had been warned about strong winds before he tried to land.