A SURVIVOR of the Asian tsunami from Trowbridge has launched an appeal to raise funds for a Sri Lankan village devastated by the waves.

Elizabeth Wijesena, 35, was in a village near Galle with her husband Mahendra, an overseas cricket player for Trowbridge Cricket Club, and their 18-month-old daughter Rumi when the killer wave struck on Boxing Day. They were lucky to escape with their lives.

Mrs Wijesena returned to Trowbridge last week and has now opened a bank account to help the community where her husband's family lives, called the Sri Lankan Village Fund.

Her mother Christine Scrine has organised an event at Trowbridge Cricket Club for Valentine's Day with proceeds going to the fund.

Slimmers World, which also uses the Timbrell Street club for weekly meetings, is planning to donate funds raised at a future event.

Mrs Scrine has made a further appeal for people to donate unwanted Christmas presents for a sale with a difference.

She said: "Everyone has been touched by this terrible disaster. It came at a time when people were celebrating Christmas and most of us have had the odd present not suited to them.

"We are appealing for people to bring those unwanted gifts to the club or phone me on (01225) 752538."