PEOPLE living on Sheppey have been digging deep into their pockets to help victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.

Collection buckets have been set up in garages, shops and pubs across the Island and dozens of readers contacted the Sheerness Times Guardian to find out how they too can help.

Sheppey Rotary Club has already sent donations to Aquabox, a Rotary charity that sends out water containers with purification equipment to disaster areas, and to the Red Cross.

Rotarian Peter Taylor said: "Rotary will be in for both short-term and long-term aid on this one. The Sheppey Club has over 60 years experience of providing both local and overseas aid.

"We have not only links with Rotary led charities such as Aquabox, Shelterbox and Doctor Bank, which sends out Rotarian doctors and medical staff, but we can rely on the help of Rotary Clubs in or near the affected regions to supervise the application of the aid and funds sent and ensure that they are used properly and efficiently."

Mask-wearing members of the Big Fish Band and Theatre Trust have toured Sheppey pubs performing St George and the Dragon. About £100 was donated and the money will be split between and the tsunami appeal fund and Sheerness Lifeboat.

The actors visited the Royal Hotel in Broadway, Sheerness, and the Albion and Red Lion, both in Blue Town, and entertained regulars with the traditional story.

Wearing colourful costumes, the actors of various ages performed the play, which included the killing of the dragon and a fierce battle between St George and the Turkish Knight. The infidel is killed and then resurrected by the doctor.

The tour was a traditional activity on Sheppey for hundreds of years when local workers, who would wear masks to hide their identity, would perform the story and collect money.

Parishioners at Minster Abbey are supporting Christian Aid and a collection box is in the church for anyone wishing to make a donation to the tsunami fund.

Since December 29 staff at the Red Cross Shop in Broadway, Sheerness, have taken donations totalling £655.

A collection at The Playa, in The Leas, Minster, on New Year's Eve raised £500 for the cause. Landlord Eddie Moran said an extra £400, which was raised at another charity event, will be added to the amount.