AN APPEAL launched by the Kent Messenger and the Medway Messenger, in conjunction with UNICEF, is giving readers the chance to make a difference to the lives of children affected by the tsunami in Asia.

Every penny raised for the Kent Messenger/UNICEF Asia Earthquake Emergency Appeal will go to those who need help most.

Just 50p will buys 120 water purification tablets, which can purify 120 litres of water so survivors will have clean, safe water to drink.

Just £25 will provide enough blankets to keep 36 children warm at night and £60 will provide emergency health kit supplies for 260 people for three months.

As little as £6 can buy high protein, energy biscuits and £28 buys 20 sachets of therapeutic milk, which can be mixed with water to provide a liquid diet for severely malnourished children.

UNICEF has already given 30,000 blankets and sleeping mats, along with t-shirts in Sri Lanka and 200,000 sachets of oral rehydration salts and another 30,000 blankets in India.

Regional fundraising manager Chris Wynn, who has been working in Sir Lanka, also said landmines are posing a new risk to locals and relief efforts. "Mines were being floated by the floods and washed out of known mine fields, so now people don't know where they are. The greatest danger to civilians will come when they begin to return to their homes, not knowing where the mines are."

The agency also hopes to provide educational supplies for youngsters, with just £62.63 providing play and learning materials for 50 children and £485 buys five school-in-a-box kits.

A spokesman for UNICEF said: "UNICEF has been deeply moved by the enquiries from members of the public asking what they can do to help. We have been working in the countries affected for a number of years and our response to the disaster was immediate and is ongoing. But we need to increase the support we are currently giving and you can help achieve this."

To get involved in the appeal and begin making a real difference, you can complete a coupon published in the Kent Messenger and Medway Messenger and send it along with your cheque, made payable to UNICEF Asia Appeal, to The Kent Messenger/UNICEF Asia Children's Emergency Appeal, FREEPOST, Billericay, CM12 0BR.