PEOPLE across the region have begun to dig deep to help victims of the south Asia's tsunami disaster.

Nationally, donations to aid charities from Britain were in the tens of millions, but some residents in the south have launched their own aid collection efforts.

In Southampton, residents are being urged to donate kitchen utensils, dried food, first aid kits, bedding, tents and lightweight clothes that can be flown out to the Maldives.

Friends of Maldives is calling for people to take all items to Dinghams Flooring and Fireplaces next to B&Q in the Millbrook Trading Estate, Millbrook Road West.

David Hardingham, who founded the Salisbury based group one year ago, said: "The Maldives has a very poor infrastructure and, though it has not been affected as dramatically as some other countries, it is not able to cope."

In Eastleigh shoppers and residents are digging deep into their pockets for donations in aid of the Asia tsunami disaster.

Charity shops for Oxfam and Save the Children, in Eastleigh High Street, and together they have received more than £2,500 in donations.

Oxfam volunteer Penny Alford said: "I am humbled by the amount people are giving, as Eastleigh is often quite generous when raising money."

Kumi Coulthard of Crofton Way, Warsash, has launched an appeal to collect vital resources to send out to Sri Lanka.

Mrs Coulthard, who has extended family and friends in the country, says the items urgently needed in the aftermath include baby bottles, bandages, plasters and cotton wool.

To make a donation contact Mrs Coulthard on 01489 576180 or 07780 807965 or send items to Serendipity, 3a Crofton Way, Warsash SO31 9FQ.

A charity auction to help raise money for tsunami relief is taking place at the Linden Tree in School Road, Bursledon, from 7pm tonight. Eastleigh Football Club boss Paul Doswell will be on hand to sell off shirts donated by his club.

On Sunday religious leaders from across Southampton will launch a concerted appeal for aid.

A special service including readings and music will be held at St Mary's Church in Southampton city centre from 3pm. Then the 35-member Southampton City Council of Faiths, which represents seven different religions, will be launching the fundraiser at the event with a working title of Tsunamis Aid.

Rev Ian Johnson, rector of Southampton city centre parish, said: "We want this to be an act of solidarity and a sign of hope for the people who are suffering as a result of this natural disaster."