THE mother of murdered York backpacker Caroline Stuttle has urged youngsters to follow their dreams and explore the world - but to stay safe.

Speaking at a seminar in London aimed at keeping gap-year travellers safe, Marjorie Marks-Stuttle told how the pain of losing her daughter had inspired her to make protecting other travellers her life's work.

Former Huntington School pupil Caroline,19, was killed in April 2002 when she was thrown off a bridge in Bundaberg, Australia, while on her gap-year travels.

Marjorie, her son Richard, and her husband, David, formed Caroline's Rainbow Foundation to promote traveller safety and help those in need.

Speaking shortly before it was announced Ian Previte had been convicted of Caroline's murder and was jailed for life, Mrs Marks-Stuttle said Caroline had been enjoying her gap year and hoped others would too.

"She loved Australia and in her voice she buzzed," said Mrs Marks-Stuttle. "For us it was just the wrong place at the wrong time."

She said that after the trial, Richard, who is in Australia, would explore backpacker destinations in that country, so he could advise future travellers about the best places to go.

The foundation is filming a video/DVD, to be shown in schools and sixth forms to promote travel awareness.

It is also looking into the possibility of devising a traveller's Rainbow Friendship Bracelet, which would be fitted with an alarm.

She advised travellers to learn how to walk away from dangerous situations.

"Always remember that you can replace your money, but you cannot replace your life," she said.

Updated: 10:53 Saturday, October 16, 2004