THE appeal to raise cash for villagers who cared for a group of Bromsgrove scuba divers after the tsunami hit Sri Lanka is gathering pace.

So far an astonishing £15,000 has been pledged but appeal spokeswoman Michelle Mills says she is keen to keep up the momentum.

Michelle, of Oakfield Drive, Cofton Hackett, has spoken to the owner of the dive centre in Sri Lanka this week. He said no aid had yet reached the village and the disaster was worsening.

He added that there had been a cyclone warning for the Indian Ocean island and the rains had already started, which would only compound the humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake and killer wave on Boxing Day.

The appeal was going to raise funds to buy a fishing boat for the villagers of Hikkaduwa on the south coast but two fishing boats have been found in the village, which can be repaired.

Michelle said: "What they need now is fishing nets and equipment but we are determined to also provide shelter for every single person in the village before the monsoon comes in March."

She added: "They saved our lives - now we must save theirs." Among the fundraising plans is a top concert in Bromsgrove, at which top British indie rockers The Wonderstuff, who hail from Stourbridge, are rumoured to be playing.

A table-top sale will also be taking place in Bromsgrove High Street this Saturday.

Michelle hopes a bond between Bromsgrove and Hikkaduwa will be formed and that when the village is back on its feet, townsfolk will visit it and be able to see how their fundraising has helped.

Anybody wanting to make a donation can call 08450 777711.