A LEYTON man will lead a team helping to rebuild houses and lives in an area of Sri Lanka badly affected by the tsunami.

Sri Lankan-born Francis Perera is currently raising funds in conjunction with the Dandelion Trust for a trip to the country's Western Province to help devastated fishing communities in Ratmalana, Mount Lavinia and Moratuwa.

Mr Perera, who has lived in Britain for 30 years, has already raised £24,000 for emergency hospital equipment and provided relief to schools in remote regions.

He said: "I am motivated by a sense of guilt and responsibility. We are blessed in this country as we don't get many natural disasters. You can't watch what happened without doing something about it."

The team hopes to help build 20 durable houses in accordance with new government regulations at the cost of £2,500 each.

Local water supplies have been contaminated with salt water so there are also plans to construct a new well that will serve the whole area.

According to local contacts, Buddhist monks are currently sheltering homeless people in a temple and it is estimated that there are around 100 orphaned children in the area.

Families most in need will get priority attention and each household will be asked to adopt an orphaned child.

If you wish to make a donation, send a cheque made out to Dandelion Trust Appeals to the Dandelion Trust, registered charity number 328159, 41 The Limehouse Cut, 46 Morris Road, London E14 6NQ.

Donations can also be made at various collection points at Whipps Cross University Hospital.

For further information call 77538 5633.