HUDDERSFIELD couple Rod and Brenda Myers have told of their "horrendous" experience of the Mexican hurricane.

They spoke of their fear as armed gangs roamed the streets of tourist resort Cancun looting property.

And they praised a "brilliant" local man who gave them food and shelter after holiday reps left them to fend for themselves.

The couple, who live at Oastler Avenue, Springwood, were forced to spend five days in a shelter in downtown Cancun as Wilma homed in on the popular resort.

Rod, 69, and Brenda, 62, were among 45 UK holidaymakers evacuated from their hotel to the shelter, which they shared with two Americans, hotel waiters and about 20 Cancun residents.

The group were left in darkness after power failed and had to eat by candlelight.

Rod said: "We were in a sort of courtyard. When the hurricane struck, the wind seemed to come down into the middle of the buildings and swirl around. I have never experienced anything like it."

They had to wade through waist-high floodwater to forage for food from local shops and contend with rats and cockroaches in the cramped shelter.

After four days, the group was told to leave the shelter, but instead of being taken to the airport, they were left all day waiting on the street with their luggage.

Brenda said: "We were left in an extremely dangerous part of town. We heard that two police officers were shot in the next street."

Rod added: "There were shops being looted and people running around with meat cleavers."

Police patrolling the area gave the holidaymakers a machete so they could defend themselves.

Luckily, a security guard took pity on the party and opened his office and a neighbouring garage to get them indoors.

"We was a real gentleman," said Rod.

"He had no reason to take us all in and look after us because we were taking his water and food and he was virtually in the same position as we were.

"He made us scrambled eggs and rice and let us phone home."

The Myers were later taken to the airport in a cramped minibus - where Beryl suffered severe heatstroke during the four-hour journey - and flown to the Dominican Republic where they stayed two nights before flying home.

Rod said: "Our belongings were ruined and the hotel put out an appeal to guests for spare clothing."

The Myers - who usually holiday at their caravan in Bridlington - are now reunited with son Dean, who had been anxiously awaiting their return.

The couple were also visiting their GP for a check-up. They both have a stomach bug and Brenda has an infection after cutting her leg.

On Monday the Examiner reported how heavily-pregnant Gemma Fox, 25, and partner Lee Varey, 34, were holed up in a Cancun school for five days when Wilma destroyed their dream holiday.

Gemma, originally from Milnsbridge, now lives on the Isle of Man.