Missing backpacker found safe

The teenager made her way out of dense jungle

British tourist Louise Saunders has turned up safe and well after becoming lost in a dense rainforest in Australia, police have confirmed.

The 19-year-old from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, had been missing since Tuesday morning when she set out alone to hike to the top of Mount Tyson overlooking the town of Tully in northern Queensland.

You never experience anything like this. It's just amazing news

Liz Saunders, Louise's mother

Tracey Nelson, spokeswoman for Queensland Police Service, said: "She found her way out of the thick bush after wandering through the harsh terrain for around four days.

"Apparently she made her way down Mount Tyson and to Tully rubbish tip and spoke to some people there."

She said Ms Saunders had been taken to the hospital in Tully for treatment after suffering minor scratches and bruises, but was in "good spirits".

Liz Saunders, Louise's mother, said: "It's been the worst time of my life.

Miss Saunders' mother and grandmother were anxious

"You never experience anything like this. It's just amazing news.

"I knew it would be tonight, I knew they would find her safe and well tonight."

She said she had already spoken to her daughter and was waiting for her to call again.

"We've spoken to her. She's got sore feet and scratches.

"She didn't know what all the fuss was about, but she's fine."

Trackers searching for Miss Saunders had found her name written on a tree in the rainforest, near to where she was last seen.

Her boyfriend Steven Wong was among 70 people who spent the day searching near the town of Tully.

The message in red felt pen, read "Louise S loves Steven W for eva" illustrated with a heart, the Queensland-based Courier Mail reported.

'Popular walk'

Aboriginal trackers had also found a banana skin near the tree and footprint believed to belong the teenager.

Emergency crews and helicopters with heat-seeking equipment took part in a large-scale search, scouring the dense areas of tropical forest.

Expert trackers and locals have joined in the search

As well as the note, Louise, a trainee beauty therapist, also managed to telephone a friend Jo Woodward to say she was lost on the 660m summit.

Her mobile phone cut out as she was speaking.

She had said she would be back in the town, about 800 miles north of the state capital Brisbane, by late Tuesday afternoon.

The pair had gone to Australia in June as part of their gap year before college.