THE plight of victims in earthquake-stricken parts of Asia has prompted Malvern people to dig into their pockets and donate generously to the international relief effort.

Many have already taken cash donations to the Oxfam shop in Malvern and the Red Cross Shops in Great Malvern and Malvern Link.

Save The Children collecting tins have been distributed around the town.

"People are very generous at times like these and every little bit does help," said Margaret Slade, local organiser and president of the charity's Malvern branch.

Nationally, the British public donated more than £2 million to the Disaster Emergency Committee in the first 24 hours.

Clothing shop Cox of Malvern and its customers are filling special Aquaboxes with potentially life-saving items for Rotary International. The boxes will be sent out to Kashmir next week.

Once empty, the specially designed plastic boxes can filter and dispense 1,100 litres of safe drinking water, enough for a family for a month.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, which is estimated to have killed at least 20,000 people, 2.5 million are believed to be homeless and in desperate need of shelter, food and, most important of all, water.

"This is our way of doing something to help in a desperate situation," said David Cox, owner of the clothing and formal wear hire shop in Newtown Road.

Mr Cox, a member of Colwall Rotary Club, said the response from customers and suppliers had been very generous.

"We've been chatting to our customers and everyone wants to help. It's simple things like soap and washing powder and basic tools that are going in the boxes," he said.

He said the shop was filling three Aquaboxes.

Mr Cox said individuals or companies who wanted to fill an Aquabox could contact him at the shop on 01684 575949 or www.colwallrotary.org.uk.

Donations to the The Disaster Emergency Committee can be made through the website at www.dec.org.uk or by phoning 0870 6060 900 or at any high street bank or Post Office.