An aid organisation formed 21 years ago by generous Geordies to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia has been resurrected to bring in much-needed funds in the wake of the tsunami disaster.

Geordie Aid, set up back in 1984 by father-of-two Phil Brown, reconvened after a two decade gap following a public meeting at which dozens of people pledged their support.

The children's psychiatric nurse, now aged 48, hopes to set up an aid team of skilled workers to fly out to the affected region and help survivors of the disaster rebuild their shattered villages.

Mr Brown, a former major in the Territorial Army who has previously worked with the Red Cross setting up a children's centre in Romania, said: "It was a great turn out by people with lots of enthusiasm.

"That enthusiasm will hopefully carry on and grow so things can be achieved to help the victims.

"But we still need more people to come forward with skills and abilities to offer the campaign."

Geordie Aid met for the second time last night in Jesmond to compile a register of doctors, nurses, paramedics, drivers, engineers, police officers, ex-forces personnel, bereavement counsellors and office staff who can help.

The group, which has applied for charity status, also wants help from local businesses which can offer it free use of an office and equipment.

Mr Brown, from the Wideopen area of Newcastle, said: "It doesn't matter how much help you can give - even if it's just licking stamps - we won't turn you away."

For further details or to offer help, members of the public are asked to call acting secretary Gavin Nicholson on 0796 109 1129.