MEMBERS of the Armed Forces have been dressing up and digging deep to raise cash for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.

Soldiers and civilians based at Imphal Barracks, York, sported everything from Darth Vader costumes to colourful hats and wigs, and collected donations from visitors and fellow workers.

The barracks in Fulford is home to York Garrison, 2 Signal Regiment, the Defence Vetting Agency, Ministry of Defence Police and the headquarters of the UK's largest brigade, 15 (North East) Brigade.

Event organiser Captain Bob Phillips said: "Uniform and dress code is a part of every day life in the barracks and it was good to have an opportunity to let our hair down - not that we have much anyway," said "Everyone got into the spirit of the occasion and dug deep into their pockets for a cause which has touched everyone's hearts over Christmas."

A coffee morning was also held to raise funds which currently stand at £770, and will be added to the Disaster Emergency Committee's appeal.

Meanwhile, a bucket collection at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, an acoustic night at the base's Maple Leaf Club and a charity quiz night for officers and NCOs has raised nearly £1,000.

Engineers for VT Aerospace, which maintains the RAF fleet of Tucano aircraft at Linton, have donated their Christmas bonuses to the tsunami appeal.

Contract manager Andy Garner said: "We are so delighted with the collection made by VT engineers that the company will match pound for pound everything they raise."

Children at Derwent Junior School raised £120 when they were able to wear what they liked for a day, prompting youngsters to wear items such as pyjamas or cowboy hats.

Employees at Schneider Electric, in Scarborough, are joining colleagues across the UK and other countries for a fundraising drive tomorrow under the auspices of the Schneider Electric Found-ation, which works on projects to help areas and people in need.

Each staff donation will be matched by the electrical giant, which has already donated $1million to the aid efforts and a further $1million in equipment and services.

Villagers near Selby turned out in force despite gale force winds to raise more than £2,000 for the tsunami appeal.

A coffee morning organised by Hambleton Parish Church and the village Methodist Chapel attracted hundreds of residents, determined to do their bit for the victims of the Asian tragedy. There was also a tombola, raffle, and a variety of stalls. Organisers raised £2,200 in only two hours.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, January 17, 2005