THE DAILY Echo-backed Indian earthquake appeal is gathering pace across Hampshire.

Schools in the county have rallied to help the cause by organising fundraising days.

A massive £23,000 for the appeal has already been raised at the Vedic Society Temple in Southampton in just two weeks.

Youngsters at Freemantle Infant School, Mansion Road, Freemantle, have raised more than £100 by selling cakes and holding a bring-and-buy sale.

Administration officer Pauline Lodwidge said: "The children have worked really hard and their parents made a huge amount of cakes."

The Daily Echo has teamed up with the Vedic Society Temple in Southampton to launch a huge cash appeal for survivors of the quake.

Readers can help by making donations to collection boxes that have been placed with dozens of newsagents across Hampshire.

Southampton careworker Roy Hazelgrove hopes to pick up the pace of the fundraising efforts by taking part in a ten-kilometre run. The 39-year-old will donate sponsorship money he raises from the event on Sunday, to the fund.

Mr Hazelgrove, from Mansbridge, is appealing for people to sponsor his efforts in the run in Winchester. He said: "It's a worthy cause. We moan about life all the time but then something like this happens and it makes us realise how lucky we are."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Mr Hazlegrove's run can contact him on 07944 106453.

To pledge money to the fund set up in honour of Hampshire doctor Ashok Nathwani, who died in the disaster, telephone 01782 712599 or 01782 610888. Cheques can be sent to Freepost, Child Advocacy International, Dr Nathwani India Appeal, 79 Springfields Road, Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 6RY. Donations to the multi-charity appeal: freephone 0870 6060 900.