Brazil plane search set to resume

Brazilian searchers will resume the hunt for a plane containing four British businessmen and two local pilots last heard from three days ago.

Teams from the air force and police plus volunteers will continue searching 155 sq miles (400 km sq) of jungle and sea in the north-east of the country.

The Cessna 310 last made contact with air traffic controllers just before it was due to land in Ilheus on the coast.

Sources said extra resources could be called in to find the aircraft.

Nigel Hodges, 52, Alan Kempson, 46, Sean Woodhall, 43, and Ricky Every, 41, were travelling from Salvador to Ilheus as part of a trip to check out a proposed housing development planned by Worldwide Destinations.

Entrepreneur Mr Woodhall, a Swiss resident, is the president of the company, according to Michael Lynn, a long-time friend and colleague.

Mr Lynn said: "Everybody is hoping that there will be a positive outcome. We have to stay positive, but it has been a long time now. "It is very concerning indeed."

Mr Hodges, of North Petherton, Somerset, is the only one of the four who lives in the UK.

His family said: "We remain positive and eagerly await news of Nigel's well being and look forward to his safe return."