CHURCHGOERS were thrilled today after a last-minute coffee morning raised more than £1,100 for the Asian tsunami appeal.

Yesterday's coffee morning and bring-and-buy sale at Riccall Methodist Chapel attracted hundreds of people who wanted to make a contribution to the global aid effort.

As the death toll rose to more than 122,000, including at least 29 Britons, churchgoers decided to organise an unscheduled fundraising event.

It was standing room only in the chapel, and organisers were overjoyed when they discovered they had raised £1,135 in less than two hours.

Brenda Neal, chapel member and organiser, said: "We had a spare coffee morning day and decided to ask St Mary's Church to join in with us.

"We then started phoning round and were overwhelmed by the response.

"This disaster is beyond comprehension and we felt we had to do our bit."

A call for York people to do their bit was made today by city council leader Steve Galloway, who asked revellers celebrating New Year's Eve to "have one less drink" and put the money saved towards disaster relief.

He said no decision had yet been taken officially as to how York might help the tsunami survivors, but added: "I think most people would be prepared to do that, and I will be certainly doing so myself."

People who wish to help tsunami victims by donating cash towards the Disaster Emergency Committee, a consortium of major charities, can do so at Boots stores in York at Coney Street, Monks Cross, the Coppergate Centre, Kings Square and Acomb.

You can also donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee by phoning 0870 6060900.

To make a donation to the UNICEF appeal to help children affected by the disaster, which was featured in the Evening Press on Wednesday, send a cheque payable to UNICEF UK, to UNICEF UK, South Asian Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 1800, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S64UG.

To donate to an appeal for Sri Lanka set up by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Rev John Packer, you can send gifts to the Bishop's Fund for Sri Lanka, Bishop Mount, Hutton Bank, Ripon HG4 5DP, with cheques made payable to Bishop of Ripon and Leeds D Account. All gifts will be channelled directly to the Diocese of Colombo.

To donate to the Salvation Army's South Asia Disaster Fund, log on to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/give or call 0800 028 7744.

o See Monday's Evening Press for more on local fundraising to aid victims of the disaster.

Updated: 09:38 Friday, December 31, 2004