Diane Atkins, 63, and her husband David, 64, were holidaying in the Sichuan province of China when the quake hit.

After being trapped in a nature reserve for three days they were airlifted to safety.

Speaking from a hotel in Chengdu, Mrs Atkins said: 'I'm delighted and I'm amazed that it all happened so quickly because the devastation throughout China in that area that we were in is horrendous and for them to have got us out so quickly is amazing.'

Seeing her mum and dad safe and well in news reports from the stricken area has been a great comfort to their daughter, Lisa Staples.

The 39-year-old mum-of-three, of Tangier Road, Copnor, Portsmouth, said: 'I've been watching the same clip of my parents on television all day. I can't stop doing it. I've seen them getting off a coach. My dad looks most worn out of the two but my mum looks fine.

'It's absolutely amazing they are both all right.

'I should have my first good night's sleep for a while tonight but now I'm so excited they're safe and coming home.

'It's hard to come down from that.'

Mr and Mrs Atkins were among 19 British holidaymakers who were on a visit to the world famous Wolong panda reserve in Wenchuan county when the earthquake happened.

Moments before the quake struck the pandas they were watching became agitated.

The couple and 12 other holidaymakers were evacuated to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, by helicopter.

Five more are to be flown to safety soon, say officials.

Mrs Atkins called her daughter from the helicopter at 4.20am British time yesterday to let her know the couple were safe.

It is thought the couple had been trapped in the nature reserve for three days.

The pair, who have travelled the world since their retirement, are now planning to return to the UK and forgo the rest of their trip.