COMIC Jo Brand has made a serious plea to the people of Worcestershire to support the Evening News' Wishband Appeal.

The star, who lives near Tenbury Wells, is the latest celebrity to support our campaign to raise thousands of pounds for the victims of the Asian tsunami.

"I am sure many people like myself who live safe and secure lives in this country found it difficult to conceive the scale of the tragedy that hit the countries around the Indian Ocean at Christmas," she said.

"The most we can do is offer our support, financial being the most important at this time, so I urge you to support this campaign and do what you can."

The Evening News, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Cathedral Plaza and CrownGate shopping centre has 15,000 rubber wristbands the colour of the Indian Ocean on order, which we are encouraging people to buy for a minimum donation of £1.50 and wear with pride.

Although millions of pounds were raised in the immediate aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami disaster, Unicef has issued a fresh plea as it begins the second phase of rehabilitation. Huge amounts of money will be needed. And after that, there will still be needs to meet.

We hope to raise at least £22,500 from this campaign with your help.

Celebrities and local people are all wearing their support on their wrists with one of these wristbands.

The wristbands are now on sale at schools and newsagents throughout Worcestershire, and at CrownGate and Cathedral Plaza shopping centres.