A BROMSGROVE woman, whose uncle was hit by the New Orleans hurricane, is appealing for West Midlands businesses to lend their support to those who have lost their homes.

Amanda Ward, from Stoke Prior, received a call from her uncle Mike Healy to say he was safe, but that his home in the Bay St Louis region of New Orleans had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Mike, who moved to the United States from Alcester around 20 years ago, had been forced to flee to the nearby village of Kiln. He works in Bay St Louis' thriving casino industry, which has also been left in ruins.

Now Amanda is heading an appeal to get businesses, contractors and building firms to share their resources to help those affected by the disaster.

"I spoke to my uncle and at first we offered to send money, but there is no point as there is nothing there to spend it on," said Amanda.

"What they need is equipment such as a JCB, dumper trucks, chainsaws and trailers to help rebuild their areas."

Anyone who would like to help can contact Amanda on ajwardcare@hotmail.com