A DEDICATED group of fund raisers from a Kent charity gathered for a sombre remembrance service on Boxing Day to mark the third anniversary of the tsunami that devastated parts of south east Asia.

Committee members and children from KASTDA, which has raised around £30,000 for orphans in Sri Lanka since the tragedy on December 26, 2004, held a simple service at Margate harbour pier.

President David Fletcher and patron North Thanet MP Roger Gale spoke of the importance of remembering the impact that the tidal wave had on communities throughout the region.

KASTDA holds a variety of fund raising events each year to sponsor the education and welfare of more than a hundred children, many of whom have lsot both parents.

The charity's contacts in Sri Lanka mean that the money goes direct to the point of need and the carers of the young people rather than being filtered through other organisations.