DUNNINGTON-based supermarket group Costcutter has donated £65,000-worth of aid to the national tsunami appeal.

The company, which has more than 85 stores across the country, is sending desperately-needed products such as baby milk, food rice and toiletries to the affected countries.

They are currently being packed in preparation for delivery by aid agencies co-ordinating the relief efforts.

Trading and marketing director Angela Barber said: "The disaster has been on an unprecedented scale and we felt that as a buying and retail group we are in an ideal position to help." Costcutter founder and managing director Colin Graves, pictured, said: "In this country we are in the fortunate position of being comparatively wealthy, and it is imperative that we do all we can to help."

:: Ideas to raise cash

Ideas to raise money for the appeal being followed up by City of York Council include:

York adopting a particular town in Asia and focusing its efforts on trying to help a community with rebuilding

Sponsoring a York resident or council staff member with particular skills to visit and work in the area

A Give A Day's Wages appeal for council staff and councillors to advise them that they can make a donation, and investigations into whether voluntary payments can be taken from wages

Garage sales at Ainsty Park, Foxwood Lane, Corlett Court and others.

:: How to donate to the fund

Donations to the York Aid appeal can be made in person at the City Finance Office, in Library Square, between 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Cash, cheques and postal orders, and debit card payments will be accepted.

Alternatively, you can send a cheque or postal order, made payable to City of York Council, to: City Finance Office, Library Square, York, YO1 7DU.

Please write Disaster Appeal on the back. Do not send cash.

Updated: 10:35 Friday, January 07, 2005