Survivors of the Costa Concordia disaster include a Walton dancer who has returned home safely.

Phoebe Jones was working as an entertainer on the luxury cruise liner that ran aground with more than 4,000 passengers and crew on Friday, January 13, after leaving the Italian port of Civitavecchia.

Eleven people were confirmed dead and 28 were still missing.

The 20-year-old was about to climb into a box as part of a magic trick when the ship keeled over.

The Laine Theatre Arts School graduate said stagehands rushed to free her from the box before there was a blackout and people started to panic.

She said although she was scared she immediately thought to get herself to the nearest rendezvous point before she was rescued from the stricken vessel.

The performer watched the ship sink from a ferry off the Italian coast and said it felt surreal and took time for the events to sink in.

The former Heathside School pupil was greeted by her parents at terminal five, Heathrow, when she returned with a group of British dancers on Saturday, January 15.

The survivor took to Facebook to let friends and family know she was safe and pay tribute to those less fortunate than herself.

She said: “So glad to be home. Thank you all so much for everyone's love and messages, I will be in touch as soon as I can.

“My heart goes out to all of Costa Concordia and to those still suffering. And to all the heroes, who’s actions made such a difference to the disaster.

“The Wonderful Costa Concordia... Makes me so sad to see this video. An incredible ship, once full of incredible people. My heart goes out to everyone xx.”