DEDICATED fundraisers who have devoted themselves to helping survivors of the tsunami have returned from Sri Lanka.

Two Salisbury charities were established to improve the lives of people who lost everything when the waves struck.

Clare Allen Crook, who had a miraculous escape when the water swept up the Sri Lankan beach where she was staying with her family, has helped establish Rebuilding Sri Lanka, which runs various projects on the devastated island.

She recently spent a month there, overseeing schemes that have made a difference to hundreds of survivors.

She said: "We are working with 18 schools, helping with things such as bus fare. Many of the children have a long way to travel to school and we need to make sure they can get there."

The fund is also helping replace equipment and supporting teachers.

Ms Allen Crook said she had found hundreds of families sheltering in tents, with the monsoon season on the way.

"We have put up about 200 temporary homes, which should last two or three years, but many more are needed," she said.

Rebuilding Sri Lanka is also supporting projects in areas on the east coast, including an orphanage and a house-building initiative, and has set up a boat scheme, after 50 per cent of fishermen lost their livelihoods.

Ms Allen Crook, who promoted the charity with an exhibition in Salisbury of photographs she took after the disaster, said: "We have had great support but the situation for many people is still very desperate.

"Whole areas are wasteland and the country will take a long time to recover."

Also involved in long-term rebuilding projects are Downton Friends of Tsunami, who launched a Salisbury Journal-backed appeal to twin with the village of Kamburugamuwa and build 90 new homes and community facilities.

Chris Pitts has spent the past month in Sri Lanka, surveying the devastation with his daughter, Ineke, who lives in the capital, Colombo and has set up an organisation to help tsunami survivors.

He said: "We found 22 orphaned girls we want to help by providing them with money for dowry or education.

"There have also been lots of people in desperate need we have been able to help - the small things make such a difference.

"The plans for rebuilding the village are coming along well and we're making steady progress, thanks to all our friends and supporters."

On June 16 an auction will take place at the White Horse Inn from 7.15pm with all proceeds going to the Downton tsunami appeal.