CHRISTIANS across all denominations in Hampshire have been asked to give towards the Archbishop of York's special fund created for communities hit by the recent floods.

Dr John Sentamu has set up The Church Urban Fund (CUF) to provide much needed help to those areas devastated and he says any money given will go to areas of the greatest need to assist the local work of providing "temporary accommodation, food and essential goods, a listening ear and counselling support to those traumatised by recent events".

Donations will also go towards local projects setting up emergency payments for those facing hardship. Monies raised will support practical activities such as the provision of volunteer teams to redecorate homes, buildings being used for storage, meeting points and much more both now and in the aftermath over the next twelve months and beyond.

Launching the fund this week, Dr Sentamu said: "As the floods begin to subside, the full extent of their impact will become apparent. Local churches will be working to help people long after the TV cameras and reporters have left the scene.

"By acting through the agency of local churches which are already being used as relief centres and places of respite and shelter, the fund will be able to help those who are most immediately at need as they try to cope with the basics before the medium to long term help of insurance and government monies kick in.

"Until that time comes there will be basic needs and the purpose of this fund is to meet those basic needs wherever possible."

Appealing direct to concerned members of the public, the Archbishop said: "Essentially this is about local people helping local people, but your help is vital too in giving what money you can - you can make a real difference and bring hope to those facing a bleak future."

Donations to the CUF Disaster Relief Fund can be made in three ways: 1. Call 020 7898 1667 to donate by telephone with your debit/credit card 2. Log onto www.cuf.org.uk and click the Donate NOW' button for secure on-line giving, or 3. Post a Cheque or CAF voucher (payable to CUF) to Church Urban Fund, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ, with a note to say that your donation is for the 'CUF Disaster Relief Fund'