THE search has been suspended in New Zealand for the English woman whose mother lives in Winchester.

Hannah Timings, 28, has been missing since January 3 after taking a helicopter trip with a friend.

Her mother, Philippa, lives in Clausentum Road, St Cross, but is staying with family in Cheltenham.

Hannah's father, Philip, who arrived in New Zealand last week, has thanked those involved in the search for her.

She disappeared after a helicopter carrying pilot Campbell Montgomerie and Hannah was lost after radioing for directions into Milford Sound.

The search has now been called off until there is some clearer hint of their whereabouts.

Senior Sergeant Olaf Jensen says Hannah's father has arrived in Te Anau from Britain and now understands the task that faced searchers.