WORK to rebuild a community devastated by the Asian tsunami is well under way thanks to generous donations to an appeal fund launched by a Trowbridge woman.

Elizabeth Wijesena, 35, of Staverton, set up the Sri Lankan Village Fund after she and her family were caught up in the Boxing Day disaster and has already raised £7,000.

She said: "I want people to know how grateful we are. So much rebuilding has gone on already.

"People are piecing their lives back together and that is largely because of the donations and the kindness of people here."

Mrs Wijesena, her husband, Mahendra, 28, and their 18-month-old daughter Rumi were staying in her husband's home village, Dalawella, near Galle, when the wave hit.

Mrs Wijesena was trapped in a building, up to her neck in water but managed to escape by climbing onto the roof.

Her husband's quick-thinking saved the lives of many when he shouted a warning after seeing the sea recede just before the wave hit, then carried his daughter to safety.

Mr Wijesena, who is now a British resident who lives and works in Staverton, has spent the months since the disaster helping his family and neighbours in Sri Lanka.

He has returned home to spend some time with his wife and daughter before going back to continue rebuilding.

He said: "I am calling every day to check how it is going. People are working hard and everyone is busy. There is an atmosphere of hope for the future."

The money donated to the Sri Lankan Village Fund is being used to help about 80 families in a group of villages, but more is still needed. Most of the money raised so far has been donated by friends and well-wishers but several events have now been organised to boost funds even more.

A sale of unwanted Christmas gifts and other items is to be held at Trowbridge Cricket Club on March 5, between 2pm and 5pm. Items for sale can be taken to the club at any time between 5pm and 10pm on weekdays, or to the Wiltshire Times offices, Duke Street, Trowbridge.

On March 19 there will be a musical event at Glastonbury town hall, featuring entertainment by Banco de Gaia and Eatstatic.

The dates of a Sri Lankan evening to be held at the Old Bear pub in Staverton and a reggae night at St Margaret's Hall in Bradford on Avon are yet to be confirmed.

Anyone who would like further information on the fund and how to help can call the Wiltshire Times newsroom on (01225) 352491.