Richard Dickens - from Ambleside and currently working on Koh Lanta, Thailand sends out this appeal...

'As you are all aware, the events of December 26th have caused widespread damage and destruction to many areas surrounding the Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea.

In Thailand the popular tourist destinations of Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Khao Lak were the worst hit causing tragic deaths of both tourists and the people whose livlihoods depended on these places.

Koh Lanta is an island which attracts family's, backpackers, divers and couples, and is especially popular becase of it's relaxed atmosphere and versatility. It too was hit by the Tsunami.

Luckily for the people here it was not as powerful as the waves that hit other areas and caused a lot less damage.

Both the Thai and western people who live here have been working together to repair the damage caused by this event.

We now are asking you to help in any way you can. If the backpackers and tourists do not return to this island which has already had so much work put into its restoration, the effects will be amplified to an even higher extent.

The people who work here rely on what is meant to be the busy season to live. If this does not happen, these people who have already lost so much will lose more - they will literally have nothing.

Please - if you have planned to come to this area, do not cancel your trip, do not wipe Koh Lanta from your plans. Koh Lanta is alive and kicking, and with your help it can continue to be that way.

Anyone else wishing to offer help can do so by donating funds to The International Red Cross and Red Cresent societies online at www.ifrc.org.'