YORK church leaders are sending £100,000 to help aid efforts in the countries hit by the tsunami disaster.

The Diocese of York, the Church of England organisation stretching from the Tees to the Humber and from the east coast to the A1, is making the money available to churches in the stricken areas.

The cash is to be directed at taking practical aid and assistance to people on the ground, and many church members are already actively helping victims and aid workers, using their local knowledge and contacts to speed up aid efforts.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, has been in touch with the archbishops in the areas concerned to discuss how the money will be used.

Dr Hope said: "Church people across this diocese share the horror and grief of the whole world as we watch the aftermath of the tsunami. We stand with the Christians of south-east Asia as they make enormous efforts of practical love and compassion to all, and I hope this donation will add real weight and substance to the solidarity we show them.

"We know the money will be used well, quickly, and to great effect for those whose suffering it touches."

Meanwhile, the message "Asia needs you" will be proclaimed at York's nightspots, which are tonight launching a massive prize draw for the York Aid appeal.

Bars and restaurants throughout the city centre have united for a huge fundraising effort, which it is hoped will raise thousands of pounds.

Matt Aconley, of Kennedy's caf-bar, in Little Stonegate, got the ball rolling and said that the idea has snowballed.

"I have been overwhelmed by people's generosity and togetherness," he said. "It is a really united effort and there are some fantastic prizes, such as a year's supply of tea from Betty's and meal vouchers from loads of restaurants."

Tickets are £1 each and will be on sale from 6pm today until 6pm on Sunday, January 16, when the draw will be made at Kennedy's and the winners notified by telephone.

But Matt is still looking for a company to donate a prize for the bar or restaurant which raises the most raffle money as an incentive to help efforts along. Phone him at Kennedy's on 01904 620222.

York's mosque, in Bull Lane, has donated £2,000 to York Aid with a further collection due to take place at this evening's service. Many worshippers have relatives and friends who live in or were visiting the affected countries.

Professor Mohamed El-Gomati, mosque committee chairman, said children have been asked to undertake their own fundraising activities and donate the cash to the appeal.

Businesses have also kept up their support.

Browns department store has pledged £1,000 and the Coppergate Centre £2,000.

Meanwhile, a Live Aid style event at Riccall Regen Centre tonight is expected to attract hundreds of people from Selby, York and Leeds.

Red Cross collectors will be at Tesco stores in Clifton Moor and Tadcaster Road, York, and at Selby during the weekend. Anyone wishing to help should phone 01904 691021.

A coffee morning will be held in aid of the tsunami victims at Strensall Methodist Church tomorrow, from 10am until 11.30am.

Nationally, more than £75 million has been donated to the Disaster Emergency Committee appeal, with £4.3 million of that coming from the Yorkshire TV area.

Updated: 14:25 Friday, January 07, 2005