CHURCHES will continue to get involved in restoration schemes in the Asian tsunami disaster area long after its horror has disappeared from the front pages, says a bishop.

The Right Reverend John Packer, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, gave the pledge as an appeal he is heading neared the £100,000 milestone.

In his February letter to churches in North and West Yorkshire, Bishop Packer said: "The Asian tsunami cannot be explained in terms of human responsibility, but demonstrates our unity in suffering with the whole of creation."

The bishop set up his appeal to take support directly one of the hardest-hit areas of Sri Lanka, which has links with the Ripon and Leeds diocese.

Parishes across the diocese responded with large donations being channelled directly to the Diocese of Colombo.

Thousands of pounds are arriving each day for the appeal and, at the last count, the fund had topped £85,000.

Gifts from parishes and individuals can be sent to The Bishop's Fund for Sri Lanka, Bishop Mount, Hutton Bank, Ripon HG4 5DP. Cheques should be made out to the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds D Account