THE thousands of people who lost their lives in the Boxing Day tsunami that devastated South-East Asia three years ago are to be remembered at a special ceremony in Kent.

It is being held on December 26 at Margate Harbour at 11am by members of KASTDA, the Kent relief charity raising money for children orphaned by the tidal wave in Sri Lanka.

It will mark the end of a busy three years in which the group has raised more than £30,000. and gained official chairitable status.

Group spokesman Meththa Meththananda, whose family launched the Sri Lankan community appeal within hours of the Boxing Day disaster in 2004, said: "Our tribute is for all nationalities who lost their lives in the tsunami.

"It is also a tribute to the children and families who are slowly rebuilding their lives, and it is a public thank-you to everyone who has supported our fund-raising efforts in so many ways during the last year.

"Our work is a long-term project and we invite anyone who is interested to join our cause."

Successful events in 2007 included Sri Lankan cultural and music evenings in Thanet and Canterbury and a charity cricket match between QEQM doctors and Worth Cricket Club. More events are planned for the New Year.

The charity's patron, North Thanet MP Roger Gale, said: "The work of groups like KASTDA is so valuable.

"It is a small outfit of dedicated and caring individuals who have raised an astonishing amount of money in three years, and the organisation is such that the money goes directly to orphans who need it."

* KASTDA stands for the Kent Association for Sri Lankan Tsunami Daruwo daruwo is Sri Lankan for children.

Further information is available from: 01843 228828 or visit www.kastda.org