Richard Dickens, 24 and from Ambleside, works as a divemaster for a company called Blue Planet Divers www.blueplanetdivers.net. Without tourism, he is concerned for the long term sustainability of the region and its citizens...

At the time of the wave I was scuba diving. Since it has happened my dive company have run a rescue boat to Koh Phi Phi. Also we have been helping local businesses to rebuild their restaurants and bungalows. This is going well but is obviousley worthless if no one comes here again.

Koh Lanta is an island which attracts family's, backpackers, divers and couples, and is especially popular because of its 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 alot 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 rerstoration, 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.