THE British appeal for victims of the Asian tsunami appeal is expected to raise a record-breaking £200m, stunned officials said last night.

So much money is now coming into the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) headquarters that officials are winding down the appeal.

However, last night, they urged people who have already organised fundraising events to carry on, as the money due to be raised has been built into spending plans.

Officials admitted even they had been amazed by the magnificent response from the public - which has forced the Government to massively increase Britain's official contribution to disaster relief.

But news that the appeal would reach £200m still came as a surprise. The last figure given by the DEC for money pledged was £100m, but that was a week ago.

On Monday, officials said people in the North-East and Yorkshire had raised nearly £7.5m. Yesterday, they said that figure was likely to be a conservative estimate.

A spokesman said: "We already know that people in the North-East and North Yorkshire always respond magnificently to appeals for help."

DEC chairman David Glencross, on behalf of the trustees, said: "We asked the British public to respond urgently and generously, and they have done so. They have made an unprecedented contribution, which will make a real difference to the lives and livelihoods of people affected by this disaster over the years to come."

The organisation said that the DEC agencies would continue to work together.

"Their priority now is to ensure that money is moving to where it is needed most, in support of co-ordinated action with national governments and the United Nations.

"The agencies will concentrate on meeting immediate needs in the first, one year phase of the relief operation whilst planning longer term work.

"They are already providing food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies, and access to clean water.

"The second phase will last two years. It will emphasise rehabilitation and livelihoods projects, to make a lasting difference to people's lives."

Brendan Gormley, chief executive of the DEC, said: "The generosity of the public has been humbling. DEC agencies are immensely grateful, and are already getting aid to those who need it most.

"We are all fully committed to reporting back on progress on a regular basis."

The DEC, an umbrella organisation which coordinates the UK's national appeal, said that to date there had been 1.7 million donations by telephone, 650,000 online, 106,000 by text and 350,000 by post. Donations can be received for up to nine months.

Oxfam spokesman Brendan Cox said: "The success of the DEC has stunned us all. British aid agencies are now in an excellent position to respond to the emergency.

"We hope the generosity of the British public to the tsunami appeal will be continued into the future and all emergencies will be funded as well as the tsunami."

Paul Cann, Help the Aged director of policy and international development, said: "The generosity of the general public has been absolutely phenomenal and we are truly humbled.

"The monies raised by the general public will allow Help the Aged to work with communities helping older people rebuild their own lives and create a future for their grandchildren."