A SURVIVOR of the Asian tsunami has set up a fund in aid of the people stricken by the disaster and is appealing for help to raise money.

Elizabeth Wijesena, 35, of School Lane, Staverton, narrowly escaped with her life after being caught in the path of the giant wave while in Sri Lanka with her husband, Mahendra, 28, and 18-month-old daughter, Rumi.

Mr Wijesena is still in Sri Lanka working to help the people in and around his home village of Dalawella, near Galle.

Mrs Wijesena is determined to do her bit by fundraising here in Trowbridge and has set up the Sri Lankan Village Fund to aid the families in Dalawella and surrounding villages.

She said: "Aid has arrived in Sri Lanka but longer term the picture isn't good. It is the short tourist season that sustains them and there is no way they can rebuild quickly enough, even if people wanted to go there. What they need now are cash donations."

Trowbridge Cricket Club is to host a Valentine's Day event where a Frank Sinatra tribute singer will set the romantic tone for the evening. There will also be a buffet and a raffle and all the proceeds will go to the fund.

The club is also to host a sale and people are being asked to donate unwanted Christmas presents and any secondhand items.

Tickets for the Valentine's event cost £15 and are available from the club on (01225) 752538 or from Christine Scrine on 07711 239601.

Any items for the sale can be taken to the club or the Wiltshire Times offices in Duke Street.