PEOPLE throughout south Shropshire and the Teme Valley dug deep into their pockets to help the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.

People throughout the area also fell silent as they took part in yesterday's (Wednesday) nationwide three-minute tribute to those who lost their lives.

Big queues formed at Oxfam in Ludlow as soon as it opened after the Christmas break.

Many people are believed to have handed in their entire winter fuel allowance.

"There were numerous donations of £200 and we can only imagine that people were giving their allowances," said Charlotte Potter, manager of the Ludlow branch.

Between Christmas and the new year, her branch took in £10,429 and the total was still mounting as the Advertiser went to press.

"It's been amazing, I've never seen anything like it," Mrs Potter said.

"We need volunteers on the shop floor or with sorting in the back rooms. Ring 01584 875990 or come in."

Special prayers were said at weekend services in churches in and around Ludlow.

Prebendary Dr Brian Curnew, rector of Ludlow, said "For all denominations, these tragic events have been very much the focus of our Sunday services and our prayers. There have been a number of special collections, and strong support expressed for the work of relief organisations. Most of all, our feeling is for all who are suffering the devastation."

A special space has been set aside at St Laurence's Church, where candles can be lit and prayers said for the victims.

Buckets

In Tenbury Wells, collecting boxes and buckets have been placed around the town although many people are handing cash and cheques directly into banks.

Town mayor Maureen Pardoe said: "It is a terrible tragedy and the council will be considering what action to take at the meeting on Monday.

Ludlow's mayor Graeme Kidd said: "There are some very generous people in Ludlow and south Shropshire.

"The town council will discuss what it can do but it may be better to remind people in six or nine months' time as the need for help will be long term."

A number of fund-raisers have already been held.

Sunday's lunchtime performance of Old Dic's panto raised more than £200.

More than £1,000 was raised at a duck race in Lydbury North and a New Year's Eve competition at the Three Tuns in Bishop's Castle raised £506.

At Broad Street Methodist Church, which has special links with a church in Sri Lanka, there will be a coffee morning and bring and buy sale tomorrow (Friday), at 10am.

Pat Hansen, from Ludlow Save the Children, said: "This will only be a small event from a small group in a small town but every little helps."

Inspired by the idea of their eight year-old daughter Harriet, Polly and Roger Ernest are holding a book sale on Saturday, from 10am, at their shop Arterie, in Corve Street, Ludlow.

New paperbacks and hardbacks will be on sale for £1 and £2.50 respectively.

There will be a collection at tomorrow (Friday) night's Twelfth Night concert by the Bishop's Castle Wassail Group in the parish church.

Ashford Bowdler and Ashford Carbonel churches are combining to hold a coffee morning in Ashford Carbonel Village Hall, on January 15, at 10am.

l If you are planning any fund raising events in aid of the disaster fund, contact us on lanews@midlands.newsquest.co.uk or 01584 873796.