THE family of a British backpacker murdered in Australia yesterday appealed for anyone with information about the case to come forward.

Caroline Stuttle's body was found in Bundaberg, Queensland, on April 10. Police believe the 19-year-old, from York, was robbed and pushed from a 30ft bridge.

Her father, Alan Stuttle, and her brother, 25-year-old Richard, are in Bundaberg to retrace her last steps and urged anyone with information, "no matter how trivial", to contact police.

The family also announced plans to establish a charity, to be called Caroline's Rainbow Foundation.

Richard Stuttle, who had planned to join his sister on her trip around Australia, said the foundation's aim would be to help backpackers in distress by providing emergency accommodation for those who had been mugged or had lost their money.

"We don't want to put anyone off travelling," he said.

Police have taken DNA swabs from more than 150 men aged 14 to 60 who live in Bundaberg, which lies about 185 miles north of the state capital, Brisbane.

Police spokesman Ron Pickering said yesterday that a recent 50,000 Australian dollars (£18,000) reward offered for information leading to an arrest had prompted more calls, but any further help would be appreciated.

Caroline's father said he wanted to see where his daughter spent the last few days of her life.

"It was our ambition to see Australia through Caroline's eyes and to meet the people who are linked to the incident," he said.

''Coming to Bundaberg and seeing all the work that everybody is doing so diligently brings tears to our eyes," added Mr Stuttle.