A vigil will be held in Ashford tonight to pay respects to the victims of the Nepal earthquake disaster.

The event has been organised by hospital worker Kamala Gurung, from the town, and will take place in Victoria Park, off Jemmett Road, at 6pm.

Members of the Nepalese community will gather at the park to light candles and pray for those who have died, been injured or affected by the catastrophic earthquake.

The estimated death toll has risen past 3,600 after the quake struck on Saturday morning, police in Nepal said.

A further 6,500 are thought to be injured as the rescue effort gets under way.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed homes, businesses and temples in the capital of Kathmandu. Another 53 are believed to have died in India and 17 in Tibet.

Fears are growing for a Kent man in Nepal who has not been heard from since the earthquake hit.

The family of Matt Carapiet, 23, from Peverel Drive, Bearsted, have appealed for him to get in touch and confirm he is safe.

Now, the Gurkha Peace Foundation, based in Ashford, have launched a fundraising campaign for the victims of the disaster.

A walk in June which was to raise money for the children in the country will now help the relief effort.

The charity has also set up a donation page online.

Vice chair Bhimraj Tumbahangphe said: "We know of two families in Ashford who have relatives in Nepal who have died. Five members of one family were wiped out, and in another, only one daughter is left.

"It is just terrible. More than 2,500 homes are gone. Even a £1 donation will help."

Mr Tumbahangphe thanked everyone who has already donated.

Anyone is welcome to attend the vigil in Ashford tonight. There will also be one in Folkestone.

The Foreign Office has provided a helpline for all UK nationals in Nepal who require consular assistance to call 020 7008 0000 or text NEPAL to 07860 010026.