A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition that captures the human cost of the Asian earthquake was successfully launched in Salisbury, on Saturday.

Several hundred people visited the medieval hall to view the pictures taken by Clare Allen Crook, who had a miraculous escape from the waves while she was on holiday in Sri Lanka.

She has now helped to form a charity, Rebuilding Sri Lanka, which received £7,500 from picture sales and donations at the weekend.

"The response was fantastic and very encouraging," said Clare. "I'm now going to take the exhibition on a tour to London and then to France.

"We have been amazed by people's generosity."

Rebuilding Sri Lanka has already raised £80,000, which will help provide immediate aid and support long-term reconstruction projects on the island.