THE tsunami disaster has seen Lancaster and Morecambe people - in common with others up and down the country - digging deep to raise as much money as possible for the South East Asia appeal.

Pictures of the Boxing Day tidal wave continue to shock and now the fund raising across the area has really kicked into gear.

Lancaster Rotarians are doing their bit for the tsunami disaster and are looking to raise more cash for the appeal.

Members of Rotary Clubs throughout the county have been assisting and more than £54,000 has been raised in just 10 days.

Rotary has kept in contact with the providers of Aquaboxes and Shelter boxes, which provide emergency facilities and clean water for the disaster-torn area.

District governor Ron Bailey says: "A big thank you is deserved for the tremendous response to the disaster."

Meanwhile, the Lancaster and District Male Voice Choir decided to hand over £250 of their limited funds to the appeal.

And Lancashire County Council's 36,000 staff threw their support behind the Tsunami appeal by taking hoards of medical supplies, dried food, clothing and other emergency supplies to the International Aid Trust.

Staff are also sending money to the trust to cover airfreight and shipping costs.

It's not just big organisations who are weighing in.

Staff in the Citizen's advertising department did their little bit by donating cash to attend work in their civvies' on Monday.

And Morecambe Superbowl holds a monthly Bowl-tastic night later this month that should help boost the coffers of the appeal.

Nearly half the ticket price of the January 26 event will be donated to the fund. DJ Trevor Cooke will be in charge of the decks for the night and has agreed to waive his normal fee.

Tickets cost £10.95 per person and include two games of bowling, a buffet, party games and prizes.

Chantelle Glover of the Superbowl says: "Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and they will also be helping with vital fundraising.

"Whether you are work colleagues, friends or family everyone is welcome."

To book contact Chantelle on 01524 400974.

And a big night of fundraising also takes place at Lancaster's Liquid on Thursday, January 27, in aid of the appeal.

In association with Kalimba, the night takes place in the lower bar of the club between 10pm and 2am and will feature music from the Scissor Sisters through to Sister Sledge.

Top local DJ Steve Middlesbrough will be in control of the decks, while the Grooveriderz dance team from Tracy Austin will perform two sets.

Admission is just £4 on the night.

And finally two paramedics from the North West Air Ambulance are preparing to brave temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius to raise cash for the disaster and also for their own charity.

Paul West, who is also head of operations, and Justin Mawtus, will be sledding with the aid of Siberian huskies across 160 miles of the wilds of Norway.

Described as an odyssey of ice, the trek should prove the ultimate challenge for the participants. The pair have to raise £6,000 just to get to the starting line, and are asking businesses and individuals to support them.

Donations can be made via the free donation hotline, quoting tsunami/North West Air Ambulance, on 0800 587 4570 or by sending cheques made payable to tsunami/North West Air Ambulance to NWAA, Bradshaw House Farm, Rock Lane, Melling, L31 1EP.