CHURCH groups in Worcester united to raise more than £1,000 for the Asian tsunami appeal through collections in local supermarkets.

The North Wedge Church Group and the West Side churches in St John's joined forces at the Co-op shops in Ombersley Road, Barbourne, and The Bullring, St John's, on Saturday under the umbrella of Christian Aid.

"We would like to give our sincere thanks and appreciation to the two Co-ops for allowing us to use their premises for the collections," said spokeswoman Dot Johnson.

"And a very special thank you goes to all those customers who so generously raised the magnificent sum of £1,168.05. This was a real community effort."