A TEACHER who taught in Nepal says his thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the devastating earthquake.

Frederick Eckersley, aged 82, taught English in a state school in Pokhara.

The earthquake struck between the capital Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara.

Mr Eckersley, who lives in Breightmet, travelled to Nepal as a volunteer teacher around five years ago.

He said: "I had come home from holiday and heard about the earthquake on the news.

"I was shocked and very worried.

"I have emailed people I know at the school I taught English and just waiting to hear."

He added: "I have taught English in different countries, including India and China.

"China and Nepal were my favourite, the people in the Nepal are so friendly and welcoming, but it is a very poor country and they need our help."

The death toll could rise to 10,000 according to the Nepalese government and the Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an appeal.

Mr Eckersley hit the headlines when at the age of 65 he collected his degree with his son, Craig, at Salford University in Information Technology, which he embarked on after being made redundant from British Aerospace.