MORE than £7 million has been raised by residents of East Anglia for the Tsunami appeal, it emerged today.The figure was announced by the Disasters Emergency Committee, who also said that the total across the country had broken the £100 million mark.

MORE than £7 million has been raised by residents of East Anglia for the Tsunami appeal, it emerged today.

The figure was announced by the Disasters Emergency Committee, who also said that the total across the country had broken the £100m mark.

Every penny raised will go towards re-building the lives and homes of those affected in the disaster.

In Suffolk people have been collecting since the disaster happened on Boxing Day and individuals, clubs and societies have all donated to the fund.

Schools are taking part in fundraising efforts - tomorrow students from Westbourne High in Ipswich will be collecting at Ipswich Town's match with Bolton Wanderers.

Youngsters on The School Council at Orwell High School at Felixstowe are organising a series of activities with every year group at the school in Maidstone Road holding a separate event - including a Giant Coffee Morning open to the local community, a teacher karaoke, and an evening disco - later this month.

And next week Gorseland Primary in Martlesham will be running a "words of coins" event to spell "with love" with 50p pieces.

Many other schools are organising their own events, including sponsored non-uniform days and other fundraising activities.

Tearfund, based in Ipswich, is one of the charities in the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Dave Cooper, regional manager of the east of England branch for Tearfund, said: "I have been working for Tearfund for 15 years and I have never known a response to an incident quite like this one."

Sainsbury's, on Warren Heath, raised £9,000 by having a collection bucket outside the store for a week.

Other events include: £24,000 raised at the Ipswich Town Football Club on New Year's Day; £700 raised by staff from Michael Richards hairdressers, in Penshurst Road, Ipswich; Roy Alcock, of Windrush Road, Ipswich, had his head shaved and raised £260; Fire and Ice Nightclub, in Ipswich, asked for donations on the door, instead of charging an admission fee on January 7.

Kingpin Bowling of Martlesham, also hopes to raise £24,000 in a bowling extravaganza on January 20, and the Co-op in Suffolk is donating all the money given to its charity share number 977.

Meanwhile St Peter's Church in Stoke Park Drive, Ipswich will be open tomorrow between 10am and 12pm for a time of quiet reflection.

The Rev Mark Morgan said: "We are opening the church on Saturday so people can come in and sign a book of condolence, which we will send to one of the capital cites in a country affected by the disaster. People will be able to say a prayer and light a candle."

Elsewhere The George public house in Hadleigh's High Street is holding a fundraising event on this Sunday.

It features a line up of musicians and guest appearances by members of Ipswich Town FC, as well as Peter Purves and Annie Bryson, who is best known for her appearance in the Philadelphia ad's.

In addition a coffee morning and cake stall is being held at the United Reformed Church Hall, Tomline Road, Felixstowe, on January 15 from 10am to midday in aid of Christian Aid's work in the disaster appeal area.

N If you are raising money for the tsunami appeal telephone The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788.