A FUND set up to raise money for the Sri Lankan victims of the tsunami disaster has topped £100,000.

The Right Reverend John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, started the appeal because the diocese is twinned with the Anglican church of Sri Lanka. The appeal was launched on January 2.

Since then, £102,023 has been raised.

Pupils and parents at St Aidan's High School, in Harrogate, raised £7,527 during a non-uniform day.

Two teachers from St Aidan's are among a party of 12 headteachers and staff from church schools in the diocese flying out to Sri Lanka on Sunday. They will meet their counterparts to find out what help can be given.

Bishop Packer said: "This is a long-term fund and the money is being used for immediate aid for those in dire need, for counselling and support for parents who have lost children and children who have lost parents, and for rehabilitation."

Donations can be sent to the Bishop's Fund for Sri Lanka, Bishop Mount, Hutton Bank, Ripon HG4 5DP, with cheques payable to Bishop of Ripon and Leeds D Account.