TSUNAMI APPEAL: A COLLLECTION for the tsunami appeal organised by a couple who have holidayed in the disaster area has now reached more than £18,500.

Emma Scott, 29, and her partner Richard James, 34, who travelled to Koh Phi Phi island in Thailand in 2003, decided to raise cash after seeing the devastation the Boxing Day earthquake caused.

Mr James said: "This money will really make a difference.

"I think it's easier to identify with the disaster when you have been out there.

"It's the most beautiful place I have ever been and when you think of all the devastation it's hard to get a grip on how bad it is.

"The people there are the friendliest people I have ever met.

"They haven't got a lot to start with and to have it taken all away, it makes you think a little bit."

The couple, of Old Town, who have a two-month-old baby called Harrison, say it was only because of their son's birth that they were not on Phi Phi when the earthquake happened.

Helped by their friend, David Signorelli, 36, collection buckets were sent out to 105 pubs, clubs, takeaways and cinemas in the town and in Highworth on New Year's Eve.

The total collected was £18,842.62.

Mr James said: "It was all down to how much effort the landlords put into it.

"We had some really good responses from some small pubs.

"The Fox and Hounds in Haydon Wick raised £750, which was fantastic, the Manor on Cheney Manor Road got £500 and all the Wanborough pubs did really well."

Now the three are hoping to organise a charity dinner in Swindon on March 31 to raise further funds.

Mr Signorelli said: "We've raised that money, which is great, but there's still more we can do.

"We've got a jazz group organised and we're almost sure of the venue.

"Now we want people who are interested in donating prizes to be auctioned off or who want to help in any way to get in touch."

Anyone interested should email david.signorelli@ntlworld.co.uk