IT WAS a disaster that swept away homes and livelihoods.

But a charity spearheaded by a Hampshire grandmother has helped many Sri Lankans whose lives were torn apart by the tsunami look towards a brighter future.

Pene Gordon, aged 69, who now lives in Curdridge, wanted to give something to the country where she grew up and lived for many years Nine years ago she launched the Ragalla Aid Project and and since then it has helped a cross section of the community from the elderly to children.

It has an impressive track record helping the most impoverised in the community. And when the tsnunami struck at the end of December 2004 the project swung into action.

It brought immediate relief to those whose lives had been crippled by one of the world's worst disasters.

Twelve homes were renonavated or built and two care homes are under construction.

Many families were supplied with tools, sewing machines, bicycle work equipment and boat repair machines to kick start their businesses destroyed by the tsunami.

Now Pene has received one of Rotary's highest accolades. Eastleigh Rotary Club presented her with the Paul Harris Award for her services to Sri Lanka.

It was through raising money for the victims of the tsnunami that the Rotarians forged a link with Pene.

Rotarian Paul Bryan said that one of the many projects included a day nursery/centre for children many of whom had been orphaned following the disaster in Sri Lanka.

He said: "The children receive education and two meals a day at the centre from money raised by Pene."

Mr Bryan added: "The Paul Harris Award is the highest Rotary Award that any person can receive and is person who has given committed service above self."

Pene was delighted to receive the award which came to her out of the blue when she was invited to an Eastleigh Rotary Club lunch at The Concorde Club. She said: "It was a complete surprise. I thought I was going along to receive a cheque in support of one of my care centres."