PUBLIC donations to the Disasters' Emergency Committee (DEC) Tsunami Appeal totalled an unprecedented £3,759 at the Oxfam charity shop in Chester-le-Street.

The figure was reached at the Front Street premises by the close of the DEC official appeal period on Friday, January 14.

Such was the public response to the disaster in the Indian Ocean and surrounding countries that the shop has also added ten recruits to its team of volunteers.

Shop manager Lynn Taylor said it was the best response to any appeal witnessed in her 16 years with the charity, which aims to tackle world poverty and famine.

Meanwhile, Mrs Taylor said the shop now has stocks of Oxfam's Make Poverty History white wristbands which are available for £1 each.

Make Poverty History, launched by Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French, with the backing of Prime Minister Tony Blair and wife Cherie, is the charity's official campaign for the year.

* A coffee morning will be held in aid of the tsunami appeal at the Millennium Volunteers Centre in Clarence Terrace, Chester-le-Street, this Saturday, from 10am until 1pm, featuring a raffle with items donated by local businesses. There will also be an hour of party games for children, starting at 10am.

* Members of Chester-le-Street Civic Choir will perform at a concert on Saturday, February 12, in Chester-le-Street Methodist Church, Market Place. All proceeds will go to the Tsunami Relief Fund. Tickets, which are priced £3.50, are available from choir members or on (0191) 388 7108.