The family of a Northern Irish UN worker who was held captive in Afghanistan for nearly four weeks said today they were “overjoyed” at the news of her release.

THERE were fears last night Irish UN worker Annetta Flanigan and her fellow hostages may have been taken to separate locations as her captors seek to evade Afghan authorities.

In the North, prayers have been said for Annetta Flanigan, the Armagh-born woman who is being held hostage in Afghanistan along with two other UN workers.