I don't want to die on my 10th birthday, Dad

Girl's terror as family, Hotels urge: Most of is forced to flee resort island safe, don't cancel

- LUCY THORNTON

A DAD told of his daughter's terror as the family were forced to flee deadly fires in Rhodes.

The Bunning family were caught up in the biggest evacuation in Greek history last Saturday, as they were supposed to be celebrating daughter Lottie's 10th birthday.

Dad Philip, 47, said he will never forget the desperate moment Lottie pleaded: "I don't want to die on my 10th birthday, Dad.

Hotels and restaurants on Rhodes have been hit by mass cancellations, even in "untouched" parts of the island.

Owners say they fear for the future, with the fallout affecting the rest of the tourist season.

UK ambassador Matthew Lodge visited Rhodes and said tour operators had "lessons to learn".

He said: "I am very sorry for those British nationals whose holiday has been disrupted.

"It is clear that the travel operators do have a particular set of responsibilities here.

He added some had been "performing very well in supporting British nationals and their customers".

British tourists have claimed French and German holidaymakers were rescued by bus very quickly while they were left marching for hours to safety.

Civil servant Philip and his teacher wife Louise, 43, were forced to ditch their luggage and flee Lindos Imperial resort in Kiotari along a beach with Lottie and her sister Olivia, 13.