TWO benefit shows held at the New Milton Memorial Hall last month raised more than £1,400 for victims of the south Asian tsunami disaster.

A ballroom dance night raised £880 and a jazz evening the following night raised £540.

On Tuesday night local surf rock band getAmped travelled to Portsmouth to join forces with other South Coast musicians at a Tsunami Disaster Fund gig at the city's Wedgewood Rooms.

It was a mission that meant much to these Dorset-based beach boys whose frontmen Rick and Tim Parkhouse know the surf scene throughout Asia from personal experience. In fact Tim had only recently surfed in the Maldives.

"We jumped at the chance to do all we could," said Rick. "It's great to see so many people globally all pulling together to help. We're just happy to play our part."

Meanwhile, Christchurch and Highcliffe Band will be sending £100 of the money raised play outside Tesco in Castle Lane during December to help the Tsunami Disaster Appeal.

A cheque for a further £500 is still being presented to Tesco towards their charities, which include local hospices.

Christchurch and Highcliffe Band meets for rehearsals every Tuesday evening at 7.30 in the Youth Club in Highcliffe. New members are always welcome particularly cornet players.