THE people of Bolton have donated an impressive £192,000 to relief operations in stricken areas of the Philippines.

Typhoon Haiyan ripped through the city of Tacloban on November 8, destroying homes and killing at least 5,000 people according to official estimates.

More than 11 million people have had their lives turned upside down by the disaster.

Bolton’s fundraising efforts will be further boosted by a campaign from a Bolton student, whose mother was brought up on the island devastated by the typhoon.

Sheena Orchard, a 25-year-old student at the University of Salford, lives in Farnworth but has been a regular visitor to her mother’s home country.

As well as sending boxes of food and clothes to the region — some donated by her friends after a Facebook appeal — Miss Orchard is planning a blockbuster fundraising evening.

The Holiday Inn Bolton have agreed to host the night on a date yet to be confirmed, with a two-course meal, desserts donated from a local firm, an auction, live music and a performance from a magician set to feature.

Miss Orchard said: “It was really difficult for us as we just could not contact people there.

“I’ve visited regularly my whole life so have many friends there.

“About 85 per cent of the houses have been destroyed as they’re mostly made from bamboo. A lot of people are sleeping in schools and churches.”

Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “Thank you to people in Bolton who have been remarkably generous. It is now three weeks since Typhoon Haiyan devastated parts of the Philippines, yet the public continue to donate to the DEC appeal.

“Survivors of the disaster desperately need help both now and in the months to come, and the money will help people rebuild their lives.”

The UK has donated more than £60 million to the DEC Appeal with the money providing crucial food, water, shelter and medical care to those affected.

In the Philippines, £100 could buy a family emergency shelter and bedding, £50 could feed them for a fortnight.

To make a donation to the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal visit dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 6060900, or donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.