TWO Andover Rotary Club members have launched appeals to help those caught up in the Asia earthquake disaster.

Rotary Clubs in the UK have a central depot in Derbyshire where they keep stocks of water purification kits ready for supply to the major aid agencies such as the Red Cross, and some of these Aquaboxes are already on their way out to Asia.

Readers can support the initiative by sponsoring an Aquabox for £45, which contains enough water filtration equipment to supply a family of four with clean drinking water for about four weeks.

Rotary Club member Per Sabroe says they will deliver the box for you to fill up with useful items such as a can opener, scissors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, baby clothing, candles, bin liners and torch. "We will then arrange for the filled box to be returned to Derbyshire at our cost," said Mr Sabroe.

"Alternatively you may wish to consider sponsoring a large Aquabox at £250 for use in hospitals."

Meanwhile, fellow Rotarian John Stewart is appealing for people to sponsor a Shelter Box, which contains a large tent to accommodate up to 10 people and includes 10 sleeping bags, a cooker, water purification system, light, tools, spade and ropes.

"The price of each box is £490 and any donation towards the cost of these boxes would be a marvellous response from the people of Andover," said Mr Stewart.

You can support the Rotary Club's disaster appeal by sending donations to: John Stewart, The Rotary Club of Andover, Kinnoull, 63 Conholt Road, Andover, SP10 2HS (cheques to The Rotary Club of Andover). The appeal is to send Aquaboxes and Shelter Boxes to the area.