MIDLANDS Today presenters Nick Owen and Suzanne Virdee (right) have pledged their support to the Evening News' Wishband Appeal and are encouraging you to do the same.

The Evening News has thousands of aquamarine wristbands on order to help raise money for the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.

The wristbands will be going on sale in schools and newsagents across Worcestershire towards the end of this month in the hope of raising more than £22,500.

A host of celebrities are supporting the campaign by wearing their wristbands.

"We have been devastated by the pictures we see coming back from the Indian Ocean," said Nick Owen.

"It gives an incredible sense of the power of nature and the fact that there is nothing we can do ourselves."

"We are delighted to support this great initiative by the Evening News. It's a really worthy cause and we would encourage others to buy a wristband and show their support."

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

The proceeds from the sale of the wristbands, which are embossed with the words "Tsunami - Funding the Future", will help Unicef build schools, accommodation and medicine for the children of the disaster-hit regions of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia.

The wristbands are available for a minimum donation of £1.50.

They are currently in transit from the Far East, where they have been specially manufactured for the campaign and as soon as they arrive they will be put on sale in boxes at schools and newsagents throughout Worcestershire, and at CrownGate and Cathedral Plaza shopping centres.

But readers can ensure they are first to get their band by placing their order today. Order forms will be published in the paper every day this week.