PEOPLE in South Lakeland have rallied round to collect huge sums of money for the victims of the Asian earthquake, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

The members of The Rotary Club of Kendal said they have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have contributed to their appeal for money for water purification Aquaboxes for victims of the tsunami.

Money is still arriving and as of yesterday (Tuesday), £18,000 had been collected in buckets at Asda and Booths in the town. Another £300 was received in cheques in yesterday's post.

The Rotarians decided that £10,000 would be used for Aquaboxes, each of which has the capability of providing 33,000 litres of drinkable water. The remaining £8,000 will be used to send Shelterboxes, each of which contains water purification equipment, a ten-person tent, ten sleeping bags and cooking equipment.

Click on Tsunami Disaster for the full story, tales for the tsunami disaster area, a list of charity activities and messages.