I AM writing to thank reporter Alison Barton for the help and understanding she showed in her reporting of my efforts to find my brother, Colin, missing after the tsunami disaster.

Without her story being published, I don't know how long it would have taken to find Colin. A big "thank-you" to Alison and all the team at the Bury Times.

Second, I would like to mention how much help I received from the staff at the Foreign Office. In particular, Paul Lawrence, who looked after us so well in Thailand and showed tremendous professionalism under the extreme pressure of having to deal with all the other families in a similar situation.

Also to Tracey Coleman from the Foreign Office, who arranged everything for us to travel to Thailand with total peace of mind and the reassuring backing of the British Government.

My appreciation also goes to Richard Bilton and his team at the BBC, and to the staff at MP Ivan Lewis's office who helped every step of the way with their support and understanding.

Last, but by no means least, a big heartfelt "thank-you" to all my family, friends and work colleagues at Colour Anodising for their support.

CRAIG SEYMOUR