TODAY is the final day of the Echo-backed Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

Generous readers of the Dorset Echo have donated more than £6,000 to the appeal so far.

There is still time to dig deep but contributions must be sent in by the end of today.

Joining forces with the Disasters Emergency Committee, the Dorset Echo has been overwhelmed by the support from readers.

Parishioners at Radipole United Reformed Church raised hundreds for the cause and filled donation buckets.

The Rev David Morgan presented a cheque to the Echo and thanked residents and churchgoers for their generous donations.

The UK public has donated more than £60million to the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal, to provide aid such as food, clean water and medical care.

Groups and individuals across the county are continuing to hold fundraisers to help the 11 million people affected by the torrential rains and winds of 195mph which destroyed entire villages.

A weekend of entertainment is set to raise money for national charity Shelterbox this weekend.

The Old Ship in Dorchester is hosting a music festival for the provision of Shelterboxes for those in need on Saturday and Sunday.

Organiser ‘Shiv’ Timbers said: “I just couldn’t sleep at night thinking about these poor people and I knew I had to do something to help.

“We’ve got some great bands lined up, but we need more so please get in touch if you would like to perform.”

The line up includes Jilly-Ann, The Tom Alford Band, The C Sharp Blues, the Pickups, The Jimmy Hillbillies and Ruby and the Roughcuts.

Collection buckets will be available throughout the music event this weekend and a raffle will be held, with prizes donated by local businesses.

Shelterbox, a national charity, aims to provide shelter, water, cooking facilities and other vital supplies for families.

Entry is free and all are welcome to the music event this weekend, for more information contact scrumpya ndwesternclothing@hotmail.com l A carol service will be held at St Peter's Church, Portesham on Saturday, December 21.

The collection will be in aid of the appeal. All are welcome to attend the event which begins at 5pm.

A Christmas coffee morning will also raise funds for the appeal.

The event, at St Paul’s Community Hall on Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, is taking place on Saturday between 10am and noon.

To make a donation, you can send a cheque made payable to ‘DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal’ to the Dorset Echo offices at Granby Industrial Estate, Hampshire Road, Weymouth DT4 9XD; Antelope Walk, Dorchester DT1 1BE or payable to the Bridport News, 67 East Street, Bridport DT6 3LB.

You can also visit dec.org.uk or call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque.

You can also make a donation of £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.

What your money will buy those in need:

£25 – Water purification tablets for ten families for a month

£50 – Feed a family for two weeks

£100 – Emergency shelter and bedding for a family Visit dorsetecho.co.uk/typhoon for more information.