PUPILS and staff at a York school are donating their dinner money to raise funds for the tsunami appeal.

The children at Our Lady's RC School, in Acomb, will also make a sacrifice, such as not playing football or computer games for the day, in order to reflect on those who have suffered.

They will share a simple soup lunch tomorrow and give the remainder of their money to the disaster fund.

The York Aid appeal has now raised more than £44,000, and money is still flooding in.

Eileen Fitzpatrick, head teacher at the school, said: "We know that parents have made contributions to disaster funds and we wanted the children themselves to understand that every little helps, no matter how small.

"And perhaps more importantly at this time, young children need to feel that they can help to make a difference to our world."

Meanwhile, army and civilian personnel across the North of England will take part in a fundraising event on Friday.

Thousands of military personnel are being encouraged to dress in fancy or outrageous clothes for Dress Down Friday". All the proceeds will go to the tsunami fund.

A showjumping event will take place on Sunday, January 23, at Roxby Farm, Main Street, Elvington, with all proceeds going to the appeal. It starts at noon.

Musicians from across the country are playing for free at a York pub this weekend to raise cash for the tsunami disaster appeal.

At least ten bands are booked to play the fundraising extravaganza at Certificate 18, in Gillygate, on Sunday.

Entry to the event will be £2, which includes food. The acts will go on stage between 3pm and 9pm, followed by an "open mic" session.

Staff and pupils at Wheldrake CE School are also holding a bring-and-buy sale, which will take place at the school on Saturday, from 10am. Items for sale can be brought to the school any time this week.

Helen Rodbourn, head teacher, said: "The children were very moved by the pictures they had seen after Christmas of so many people who had lost everything as a result of the earthquake. They wanted to contribute to the village effort to raise money for the victims."

Wheldrake Women's Institute is also fundraising for the appeal with an event including stalls, tombola, raffle and refreshments at White Rose House, on Saturday, January 22, from 10am.

Worshippers at St Michael-Le-Belfry Church, in High Petergate, have raised more than £15,000 for the appeal following various collections. The cash will be sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee. Several members of the congregation also went out on street collections on behalf of the British Red Cross.

Updated: 09:03 Thursday, January 13, 2005