THE generosity of people in Gwent has seen thousands of pounds raised and tonnes of goods collected for survivors of the disaster.

Newport couple Pat and John Cox, of Woodville Road, said they were "staggered" by the generous response to their collection. They have raised more than 1,300 for the Red Cross since the tsunamis on Boxing Day.

Mr Cox, 72, said: "As a result of the publicity in the Argus, and the dreadful realisation of what happened in the Indian ocean and the surrounding countries, people have been very moved by what they had read and seen on television.

"We have been staggered by the response from the residents of Woodville Road, Preston Avenue and local businesses.

"The Ridgeway Inn gave the proceeds of a New Year raffle. We even had evidence of children dipping in to their money boxes."

Mr Cox said he could not thank people in the area enough for their generosity and readiness to support the appeal. A church in Magor has collected 12-and-a-half tonnes of goods to be sent to Sri Lanka, in the last two days alone.

Magor Church sent out leaflets asking people for their support and the goods received filled a 40ft trailer. The goods, packed into 930 boxes, include blankets, sheets, towels, medical supplies, clothes, tents and walking sticks.

Martin Probert, of the Tesco distribution centre in Magor, which will take the goods to London for delivery to Sri Lanka, said: "The result was incredible."