CHURCH leaders have praised the generosity of Vale residents donating cash to the tsunami appeal and are urging them to keep up the help.

The Bishop of Worcester, The Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby said: "Yesterday's three minute silence has given us all a chance to remember again how horrified we are by what has happened to so many in the Indian Ocean region. I hope and pray that this will lead all of us to extend our immediate generosity into a long-term commitment to the restoration of the affected countries."

Rev Richard Armitage of All Saints church in Evesham said: "We are incredibly moved by the suffering of so many individuals.

"We are also impressed by the overwhelming generosity of so many people throughout the World but very horrified by the evil of those exploiting the vulnerability of orphaned children.

"As a church we encourage people to give individually but also to the special Christmas Christian Aid collection which can be used for the tsunami victims and those in need in other parts of the World."

Yesterday the congregation All Saints held a three minute silence for the victims as part of the daily midday worship.