TODAY the Evening Press and City of York Council launch a massive appeal to raise cash for victims of the Asian tsunami tragedy.

York Aid will allow people in the city to help stricken communities in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand in the vital task of rebuilding their shattered lives.

The United Nations estimates that the total dead as a result of the disaster will exceed 150,000, including five tourists from York and East Yorkshire.

Sarah Bent, 19, and her boyfriend, Robert Rowbottom, 21, last spoke to their families on Christmas Day.

Father-of-three Stephen Magson, 54, of York, also remains missing, and it was reported today that childhood friends Benjamin Watts, 29, and Nova Mills, 28, of Holme-upon-Spalding-Moor were also missing.

In addition, millions of survivors are at risk without more water, shelter and food.

The plight of victims across southern Asia triggered a massive response from the British public, raising about £60 million so far.

Today civic, business, religious and sporting leaders across York united in backing the city's own drive to help those left to face the harrowing consequences of the giant waves.

The York Aid appeal has been organised by City of York Council - which today pledged £10,000 to kick-start the process - and is supported by the Evening Press.

Local businesses Mulberry Hall and the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet have each donated £1,000 to the appeal, and The Miniature Scene, in Fossgate, has given £500.

Further donations include £500 from Acomb and District Conservative Club, £100 from Huntington and Strensall Liberal Democrats, and £456 in public donations sent to the council up to New Year's Eve.

Council leader Steve Galloway said: "York residents have been astonishingly generous, contributing nearly £20,000 to York Aid even before its official launch. But the council can and will now use its organisation to build on that good work.

"I urge all residents to help with fundraising. Whether the events be large or small, or by way of a personal contribution, only the most substantial effort can hope to address the issues arising out of what is the largest natural disaster that any of us are likely to see."

Generous residents will be able to make cash and cheque donations to the disaster appeal at a special collection point at the council's finance offices in Library Square.

All proceeds go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella organisation distributing funds to aid organisations like the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Oxfam and Save the Children.

Officials also plan to "adopt" a town in Asia and focus York efforts on rebuilding lives amid scenes of almost incalculable loss.

Other fundraising activities in the city for quake victims have included cash collections at Tesco check-outs, and supporters donated funds at York City and York City Knights matches at New Year fixtures.

How you can help

DONATIONS 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. Any interest accrued from donations will also go to the appeal.

Are you holding an event to raise money for those affected by the tsunami? If so, contact Charlotte Percival or Alex Lloyd on 01904 653051, or email charlotte.percival@ycp.co.uk or alex.lloyd@ycp.co.uk.

Updated: 10:26 Tuesday, January 04, 2005