"ABSOLUTELY brilliant" is how Marlow Thames Rotary Club has described the public's response to its tsunami appeal.

Rotarians asked people in the town to support their Aqua Box scheme by donating clothes, cooking equipment and tools to go in the boxes, which also contain filters and water purifying tablets to provide 1,100 litres of drinking water.

But after initially filling tenboxes, the club ordered 50 more after being inundated with items and now needs more help.

Richard Hunt, the club's senior vice president, allowed his hardware shop, in Spittal Street, to become a collection point.

He said: "The response has been absolutely brilliant and I would like to thank everyone who has helped.

"As fast as things are coming in, the boxes are being packed and dispatched.

"What's great is our collections are sourced and given to the areas of greatest need.

"What we need now is a company, group, organisation or school to subscribe to a box for £50 and fill it themselves with the necessary items."

"The great thing is each box is numbered and can be traced exactly where it goes in the world."

Meanwhile, kind-hearted resident Marie Clark has called for more information for those wanting to send clothing to tsunami victims.

The 36-year-old from Medmenham spent last weekend clearing all her unwanted items with the aim of handing them to a charity which would then forward them on her behalf.

She eventually found out through her local church that beauty salon, Sharmie Joseph, in Henley, was collecting items to send out and took three large bags of clothes, toys and shoes.

She added: "There are so many people out there who want to help in ways other than by sending money, but I feel as though there should be more information."

"I have already donated money, but wanted to do more."

The Marlow Free Press is calling on schools to subscribe to an Aqua Box, and we will cover the event. Contact Marlow Thames Rotary Club on 07831 802230 or reporter James Webb 01494 755071