THOUSANDS of pounds is today on its way to help victims of the Asian tsunami disaster following a night of action at the Evening Star's ten pin bowling fundraiser.

THOUSANDS of pounds is today on its way to help victims of the Asian tsunami disaster following a night of action at the Evening Star's ten pin bowling fundraiser.

Friends of the Star, including Ipswich Town footballers Darren Bent, Ian Westlake and Lewis Price, team manager Joe Royle and chief executive Derek Bowden, put on their bowling shoes yesterday to join the world-wide appeal for cash.

The event, held at Kingpin, Martlesham, involved bowlers getting sponsored to play.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: "The Evening Star has been heartened by the amount of money being raised in Suffolk and wants to thank everyone who has supported the appeal, particularly this fundraiser.

"It was fantastic fun and we are delighted Kingpin is able give in the region of £10,000 to a cause which has affected us all so deeply.

"A massive thanks must go out to everyone who supported us."

Joe Royle, joined at the event by his wife Janet, said: "There's a close-knit partnership between Ipswich Town and the Star and it was great fun getting involved and helping.

"I've never known any disaster of this scale in my lifetime and it's something which has really pulled people together."

Ian Westlake said: "Everything we do as footballers is competitive and this was no different, but it's important to remember why we did it.

"Players at the club have been making private donations but this is the first thing I've done with other team members and it's good to think we can help in some way."

Derek Bowden said: "The appeal is an extremely good cause as the charities clearly need help to provide aid exactly where it's needed.

"The only way we can help is by providing cash and it's been fun being a part of it.

"With the hand to eye co-ordination the footballers have they should really have wiped the floor with us, but they didn't."

Kingpin allowed people to bowl for free and asked for donations from sponsorship. More than 150 people went along and others are expected to bowl for the cause at the weekend.

Geoff Sheldrake, Kingpin co-owner, said: "It is very encouraging to see so many people willing to help the appeal.

"It was a fun night and we are glad we have been able to help."

Are you raising money for the tsunami appeal? Write to 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk