The Peterborough Chinese Association and School, based at Jack Hunt School, in Ledbury Road, Netherton, is urging people across the city to help raise money for long-term recovery and reconstruction work following the disaster which struck the south-western Sichuan Province of China, at exactly 2.28pm on May 12 (BBC News Special Report: China earthquake).

Association secretary Jenny Lee said: "It is devastating to watch the news coverage of the earthquake and to see people who cannot reach their loved ones or don't know if they are alive or not.

"I know of people who have come over to Peterborough to work or to travel who have friends and family back in China.

"They have no real idea what is happening back home and whether or not their relatives are safe

"We now need help to plan for the reconstruction of the areas affected by the earthquake and to focus on providing counselling and support for the victims and rebuilding schools.

"It is vital that we raise funds to support relief efforts for this disastrous situation that is still unfolding."

Measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, the earthquake killed at least 33,000 and officials say the final death toll may reach up to 50,000.

Already, more than 220,000 people have been injured and more are still believed to be buried among the rubble and missing.

And still aftershocks, measuring from four to six on the Richter scale, are continuing to cause landslides that are making conditions in the country even more difficult.

Millions of people are now without water, food or shelter and have lost everything, even their loved ones, and searches are continuing across the area, but with little hope.

Many children are still missing as the quake happened during school hours.

In the aftermath of this powerful earthquake, at least 436,000 homes have collapsed, and an estimated 4.8 million are now homeless.

The Peterborough Chinese Association is holding a collection day on Sunday at Jack Hunt School between 10am and noon, inviting schools, businesses and local people to support a fundraising campaign.

All money raised from the event will be presented to the Earthquake Appeal Fund in London, on June 2.

Donations can also be made over the phone by calling Mrs Lee on 07970 940292, or sent by cheque, made payable to Chinese Embassy UK, to Peterborough Chinese School, c/o Jack Hunt School, Ledbury Road, Peterborough PE3 9PN. More information on the Peterborough Chinese Association on the city councils' website: www.peterborough.gov.uk/page-20&AZ=AP&CG=1027