15226/1MOTHERS Philippa Ponting, from Marlborough, and Xia Lane, from Pewsey, fly out to Sri Lanka on Monday to see if they can help families recovering from the tsunami.

The friends have raised money towards the cost of their flights but need a further £250 sponsorship.

Mother-of-three Mrs Ponting and Mrs Lane, who has one child, said they are motivated partly by their maternal instinct to help but also by the fact that Mrs Lane knows a Sri Lankan family who lost many relatives in the disaster.

One of the survivors of the Sri Lankan family will be meeting them at Colombo airport.

They will be taken to the east coast town of Batticaloa, one of the worst hit parts of Sri Lanka, where they plan to stay for two weeks, doing whatever tasks they can.

They have been in contact with a charity working in the stricken area, which supplied a list of things needed including mosquito nets, malaria tablets, foam camping mats, sheets and tea towels.

Mrs Ponting, 41, said: "I know we will be found loads to do."

Offers of help towards the flight costs should be made by ringing (01672) 562849 or 07884 108655.