TOWNSFOLK have been reaching for their wallets and purses to help victims of the tsunami disaster, while in America a woman who once ran a popular Thai restaurant in St Helens is spearheading a fundraising drive in her new home.

Collection points have been stationed at supermarkets, shops, bookmakers, pubs, churches and dozens of other businesses across the borough.

Morrisons stores in Baxters Lane and Boundary Road were among shops collecting cash, with more than £9,000 donated after Christmas. Marks and Spencer in Church Street is also believed to have collected thousands of pounds.

Meanwhile, Jacqui Wright who used to run the Ruan Thai Restaurant in Hall Street, St Helens and husband Steve have launched a fundraising drive in the 'Tri-Cities', of Washington. Jacqui, originally from Bangkok, has signed up a host of businesses to promote disaster relief. The Wrights also turned a New Year's Eve celebration dinner at their restaurant, Mezzo Thai, into a two-hour fundraising event.

Back in St Helens, Reverend Colin Smith has arranged a 60s concert to raise money for the appeal at St Andrews Church, Dentons Green on Friday, January 14.

Reverend Smith and his 60s band the Locomotion will take to the stage along with groups for the event that starts at 7.30pm. Entrance is £5 for adults, and £3 for under 16s.

Meanwhile, St Helens Council's Labour group is urging townsfolk to give whatever they can to the appeal.

The group, which has donated £500, stated: "There are many families in the borough from the countries affected who may have lost loved ones. Medical and material support is urgently required if they are to avoid more loss of life."

Meanwhile, it is understood several St Helens people in South East Asia when the tsunami struck, have now returned home, though they have so far chosen to keep their account of the disaster private.

Donations can be made direct to the disaster fund on 08706060900 or any local bank.