AN army of generous Geordies is to be flown out to areas hit by the tsunami to help survivors struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

Nurse and former Territorial Army major Phil Brown has set up Geordie Aid, an organisation that is raising money and pulling together a register of volunteers prepared to go to help rebuild villages shattered by the earthquake.

Mr Brown initially called a meeting in a Newcastle coffee bar two weeks ago - and has since received 200 inquiries from volunteers pledging money or their time.

"We have had everything from divers to drivers offering to help," said the 48-year-old father-of-two.

Geordie Aid met for the second time last night, in Jesmond, Newcastle, to compile a register of doctors, nurses, paramedics, drivers, engineers, police officers, ex-forces personnel, bereavement counsellors and office staff who can help.

Mr Brown, who has previously worked with the Red Cross setting up a children's centre in Romania, said: "It was a great turn out by people with lots of enthusiasm.

"That enthusiasm will hopefully carry on and grow so things can be achieved to help the victims.

"But we still need more people to come forward with skills and abilities to offer the campaign."

The group, which has applied for charity status, also wants help from local businesses which can offer it free use of an office and equipment.

Mr Brown, from the Wideopen area of Newcastle, said: "It doesn't matter how much help you can give - even if it's just licking stamps, we won't turn you away."

For more details or to offer help, call acting secretary Gavin Nicholson on 0796-109 1129.