The Peterborough Chinese Association and School, based at Jack Hunt School, in Ledbury Road, Netherton, appealed for people to help raise money for long-term recovery and reconstruction work following the disaster which struck the south-western Sichuan Province of China two weeks ago.

The death toll is believed to have reached 62,664, with another 23,774 people missing.

The Peterborough group held a fund-raiser at the school to collect cash for the appeal, and generous businesses, such as takeaways, and people young and old, didn't hesitate to dig deep.

Association secretary Jenny Lee said she was overwhelmed by the response and thanked people for their donations.

She said: "It was raining and still people turned up.

"The rain also made us think of China, because it's raining there now, but the conditions must be far worse.

"We see pictures from Chinese TV and it's devastating.

"We hope people will keep donating because it's not just about rebuilding a few homes, it's millions.

"I also want to help schools in remote areas. It gives people hope."

She revealed that a string of fund-raising events were in the pipeline, including a charity bag-pack and plans for the city's schools to stage a non-uniform day.

She has also placed collection boxes in the Jason Hong supermarket opposite Woolworths, in Bridge Street, as well as Imperial Bento, Shanghai Gardens and the Emperor restaurants in the city.

Mrs Lee will travel to the Chinese Embassy in London, along with community groups across the country, to present the cheque, on June 2.

There are plans to hold a charity dinner featuring an auction, raffle and a performance artists from the affected region, at Imperial Bento in Broadway, on June 10.

Call the restaurant on 01733 319188, or Jenny Lee on 07970 940292, for tickets.