EAST Lancashire man Ashley Waddington survived the devastating tsunami which ravaged South East Asia after fleeing for his life from the giant tidal wave.

The financial adviser, from Reedley, in Burnley, was sunning himself on the beach in Phuket on Boxing Day when the massive undersea earthquake shook, forcing a 300mph, 30ft high torrent of water in his direction.

The killer wave claimed thousands of lives and devastated the area, but miraculously Ashley survived.

Today his family spoke of mixed emotions -- relief that their son was safe and well, but sorrow for those who were not so fortunate.

Relieved mum Jean Waddington said: "It was just awful.

"I feel so sorry for the families that did not make it and their relatives, but I feel so blessed that Ashley survived.

"I think he must have a guardian angel watching over him. I'm terribly relieved."

Ashley, 33, who works for the Britannia Building Society, had travelled to Thailand in June with three colleagues.

During an idyllic holiday they spent a few weeks there before moving to Australia and, after returning to Bangkok before Christmas, had just arrived in Phuket that day.

After a ten-hour coach trip, they found accommodation, dropped off their bags and began to relax on the ill-fated beach.

Jean said: "He saw this wave and did not think too much about it.

"But what alarmed him was that everyone was screaming and running for their lives. He got up and just ran.

"He followed the cries and ran up a hill. That saved his life."

Ashley stood on the hillside looking down at the devastation below in disbelief. It was completely wrecked," added Jean.

"The place where he was is totally devastated. He's very, very lucky."

Jean and husband Roy had been out taking their dog for a walk early on Boxing Day morning and had been unaware of their son's close escape until they returned to their Clements Drive home and listened to an answer phone message left by a shocked Ashley.

"He said 'you are going to hear some news. There's been a disaster, but don't worry I'm OK.'

"When I put the news on the television I could not believe it," said Jean.

Ashley has been quick to help others and Jean believes a short spell in the Army when he was younger has helped give him the mental strength to cope with the devastating scenes.

But Jean still faces an anxious wait until she can see her son again as Ashley has decided to continue his travels and visit Cambodia before returning home in February.

"I wanted him to come home, but he said he was fine and had been helping out and doing what ever he could.

"Even though he is ringing every day to reassure us he is safe and well, I cannot rest.

"Every time the phone rings I think it is Ashley. I know everything is alright, but in the back of my mind I can't help but worry.

"He's 33 but he's still my child and we are a very close family. I can't wait for him to come home."

Ashley had been on holiday to Thailand once before and had fallen in love with the area thanks to the friendliness of locals.