ROTARY Club volunteers were left rejoicing at the generosity of people from Romsey and its surrounding area after a highly successful tsunami disaster collection day.

Volunteers were out in force with the collecting buckets in the town centre on Saturday and, with a little help from Romsey's community-minded firefighters, brought in a grand total of £5,060.

Like the firefighters, many residents had noticed in The Romsey Advertiser that Rotarians would be collecting for shelter boxes and aqua boxes to be sent to the disaster area.

Rotarian David Bloomfield said afterwards: "So many people had already sent contributions and we were very pleased both by the support from people in the street and from those who have sent cheques in the post.

"We were also surprised at the number of people who were giving us money, say £20, £50 and £100, who said they had come into town especially because they had seen it in The Romsey Advertiser that we would be collecting."

An important factor, he added, was that people were supporting Rotary because they knew the money was going on the basics - shelter boxes with survival and living equipment and aqua boxes for purifying water - which people really needed.

The heart-warming gestures have also included a call from a family with a wedding in the near future who have asked guests to donate to the shelter box and aqua box appeal instead of giving presents. The couple's planned honeymoon hotel was among those swept away by the Boxing Day disaster.

Mr Bloomfield also praised the firefighters for their support at two town centre locations and then slightly closer to home at the Alma Road fire station and Waitrose's superstore.

One unexpected donation was a gold ring, which was very old and worn. The shank had parted and it must have slid into the bucket as its owner was making a donation. Rotarians are anxious to return the ring to its owner, as it undoubtedly has great sentimental value.

For those who still want to donate to the Rotary effort, cheques made payable to the Rotary Club of Romsey Test can be sent to Mr Bloomfield at Friarswood, Straight Mile, Ampfield, Romsey, SO51 9BA.

Members of Romsey Youth Theatre will forego their usual Saturday morning drama workshop on January 22nd to help raise money for the Asian Earthquake Appeal.

The youngsters will be holding a toy and bric-a-brac sale at the Performing Arts Centre between 11am and 1pm, selling items including toys, CDs and books.

They are inviting anyone who has items for sale to bring them to the centre at 10am, or telephone 01794 340609 if collection is required.

David Francis, of the Romsey Youth Theatre, said the youngsters were particularly keen for the money they raised to help children just like themselves, whose lives have been devastated by the events of December 26th.

Romsey Lions gave the proceeds of their monthly bookstall, held last Saturday in the Cornmarket. to the disaster appeal.

Proceeds from the stall plus money from a separate Lions collection amounted to £239.66.