HUNDREDS of people flocked to Wotton-under-Edge Civic Centre on Saturday to show their support for the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster, with latest estimates of deaths around 280,000.

The centre opened at 9.30am and stalls were busy until after 3pm. Refreshments were particularly popular, served by Save the Children and Christian Aid groups, while Round the Edge community choir sang for visitors while they ate.

Many children were involved in helping and a decorative 'sparkling spectacles' stall attracted people. Artist Jackie Whitehead raised £180 by selling her paintings.

More than a dozen raffle prizes were won, donated by Harvest Store and a number of individals.

Visitors came from as far afield as Thornbury and Berkeley, while one couple from Nympsfield had never visited Wotton before.

Organiser Janet Walshe said: "There was a lovely upbeat atmosphere, but many people did work very hard which we appreciate."

Unsold items from the bring and buy stall will be donated to the Red Cross and Oxfam so proceeds will go to the disaster areas.

The final total for the disaster emergency fund from the Wotton event was £2,500.