MEMBERS of Suffolk's Bangladeshi community have been thrilled with the public response to an appeal to help their countrymen hit by a devastating cyclone to rebuild their lives.

MEMBERS of Suffolk's Bangladeshi community have been thrilled with the public response to an appeal to help their countrymen hit by a devastating cyclone to rebuild their lives.

They say the ABC - Appeal for Bangladesh Cyclone - project has got off to a great start, and now they are planning more fundraising events for the New Year.

So far they have held two collections in Ipswich town centre, a collection at the mosque and also a collection at the Ipswich Town versus Burnley match.

Players supported the event by wearing appeal t-shirts and mayor of Ipswich Inga Lockington also donned a shirt and shook a bucket.

Mahbub Alam Shamim, chairman of Ipswich Mosque, said the first collection in the shopping centre had raised £748 and the Portman Road one more than £900.

He said: “The appeal has got off to a fantastic start and we are all really pleased.

“We would like to thank Ipswich Town for their wonderful support and help - and also everyone who has so far donated to the appeal.

“It is a very important cause and we want to raise as much money as we can. We are now finalising details of our next events.”

Cyclone Sidr slammed into the south east coast of Bangladesh, killing 3,100 people and leaving about one million homeless.

It lashed the coastline with winds of more than 140mph, creating storm surges which reached more than a metre high. Heavy rains caused widespread flooding which destroyed thousands of homes, and left many districts without power.

If you are planning fundraising events to help the appeal, let the Star news desk know on 01473 324788.