LANCASTER and Morecambe people are digging deep to do their bit to help out the Asian tsunami disaster zone by handing over cash to the charity appeal.

Since the horrific tidal wave swept across South East Asia on Boxing Day, the world has been struck by the devastation which has so far claimed around 150,000 lives.

And a collection at Lancaster's Oxfam shop, on Penny Street, has seen people falling over themselves to donate.

"Local people have been just tremendous," says shop manager Stephen Lancaster. "Ever since the disaster people have been coming in wanting to donate. But I would remind them that we cannot accept goods to be sent over. We can only take money and goods that are brought in will be sold in the shop as normal."

As yet no one knows just how much has been donated locally but the figure will run into tens of thousands of pounds, says Stephen.

Parishioners at St Peter's Cathedral in Lancaster have been flocking to add their names to a book of condolence.

"There has been quite a good response to the book," says Fr Stephen Shield. "A good number of people have signed it and we will keep it open for a while yet for people wishing to add their names.

Mosques across the area have also staged collections for the fund raising effort.

A container of emergency aid equipment left the country on Wednesday bound for Sri Lanka. The shipment was put together from donations to The International Aid Trust, which has a base in Morecambe.

Other charities helping the victims of the disaster include ActionAid, British Red Cross, Cafod, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision.

Lancaster Loyne Rotary Club has raised £2,500 for the appeal and, after teaming up with Morecambe and Heysham Rotary Club, raised more than £1,700 by rattling tins at Asda on Monday.

Generous fans at Lancaster City's New Year's Day derby game with Barrow stumped up £200 for the relief appeal during a bucket collection at the interval of the Giant Axe clash.

"We wanted to do our little bit to help," says City commercial manager Les Taylor.