AID AGENCIES are appealing for more people to help the vital relief mission following the tsunami disaster.

People in Salisbury and the New Forest have been quick to respond but more help is needed all the time.

Chris Wynn, from the Shrewton-based south-west office of Unicef UK, says thousands of people are in desperate need of medical aid and millions have been left homeless.

The charity has already delivered bedsheets, blankets, cooking utensils, health supplies and bottled water to eight of the 12 affected regions in Sri Lanka but more funds are needed to cope with the scale of the devastation.

Mr Wynn said: "With contaminated water an immediate concern, one of Unicef's main priorities is to urgently help the survivors by ensuring that children and their families have access to clean water, sanitation, medical supplies and shelter."

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development has launched an appeal at churches throughout the Diocese of Clifton. Fiona Callister, from Cafod, said: "Relief efforts will be initially centred on providing shelter, food aid and medical assistance. Needs are expected to rise as our staff gain access to isolated regions".

Oxfam is appealing for an additional £3 million to buy bottled water, sanitation equipment and piping in a bid to prevent disease from spreading.

"The south-west has been very generous in its response to past emergency appeals and we are delighted with the donations so far and news of fundraising which has been organised," said Roger James from the regional office.

"I hope the international community will match the public mood."

If you would like to donate money to help people affected by the earthquake and tsunami, please call the Disaster Emergency Committee on 0870 6060900 or visit www.dec.org.uk