A PHILIPPINO family living in Bere Alston is hoping to raise enough money to build ten houses in its home village, which has been devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

Ariel Nepomuceno, his wife Phoebe, and children Alexis and Jude Eden, have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public so far in Bere Alston and Tavistock, which has provided food supplies for 236 families.

In just a few days £460 was collected in Bere Alston and last weekend the Nepomuceno family, who have around 20 relatives affected by the disaster, collected £200 on the streets of Tavistock.

Mr Nepomuceno will be donating the first day's takings of his restaurant/takeaway business that he is opening in Market Street, Tavistock, on Saturday to the appeal and is hoping that by Christmas he may be able to raise enough cash to build some new homes.

'We come from a village called San Isidro in Tibiao Atique and during this horrific devastation, 90% of our village was wiped away,' he said.

'Our family, friends and neighbours are among thousands that are starving, homeless and not even able to get clean water — something that we all take for granted.

'The island where my family live was the fourth away from where the typhoon first hit and although there were some injuries, no-one died.

'There are some houses made of concrete where people have some shelter but many are made from bumble tree or bamboo and have collapsed.

'A new home will cost £200 to build and that will house eight people. My wish would be to raise enough money to build 10 homes which will change the lives of 80 people.'

Mr Nepomuceno and his family moved to Bere Alston seven years ago and are members of the Bere Alston United Church.

They say they have gained strength from the church community and the public who have been so supportive after hearing about the typhoon.

'We are used to typhoons in The Philippines, we get about 20 a year, but this one was so horrific,' added Mr Nepomuceno.

'We spent several sleepless night waiting to hear what had happened to our family.

'I have spoken to my cousins who told me how the wind outside the house just knocked you over and how they were all evacuated to safer houses away from the seashore.

'I cannot imagine how frightened they were when this typhoon happened, but they feel very lucky to be alive.

'They have a really strong spirit and they will get through this.'

With little Government aid, the Philippino restaurant owner and chef said he was so pleased to be able to send money direct to his family who distributed it amongst the villagers.

'Each family has been able to buy eight kilograms of rice, four cans of sardines and noodles,' he said.

'Rice is being planted at the moment and in two months it can be harvested.

'The village will get back on its feet but they need help right now.'

If anyone would like to make a donation to help the villagers of San Isidro they can contact Ariel Nepomuceno on Facebook or call his landline on 01822 841893 or mobile 07557 101041.