THE Vicar of Bolton is leading a call for the town to launch its own fund-raising appeal for the millions of people affected by the massive earthquake in South-east Asia.

Canon Michael Williams wants to see a fund set up in the town as the death toll from the natural disaster hits 125,000 and continues to rise.

So far, five million people have been left homeless by the devastating tsunami wave which affected 14 countries on Boxing Day.

And Canon Williams said: "I am sure we should do something as a town for the tsunami disaster. It's just how we do it which is the problem.

"A number of people who have telephoned me who have said they have donated money to the national appeal but the town should organise their own appeal.

"It would be great as a town if we did rally around and donate money to an appeal for the people affected by the disaster."

Churchgoers at Bolton Parish Church, where Canon Williams held a service on Friday, were in a sombre mood as they reflected on the disaster.

And around 14,000 mourners were expected to attend mosques throughout Bolton for traditional prayers.

The Bolton Council of Mosques will announce on Monday how much money has been raised in their appeal.

Executive members from the town's 15 mosques held a meeting two days after the disaster.

Leaflets and flyers have been posted on walls under the heading Tsunami Appeal.

Donations have been collected in boxes, with larger contributions going through the mosque executives.

Mohammed Adam, general secretary of the Bolton Council of Mosques, said: "The response has been immaculate. Every person in Bolton has been touched by this tragedy."

Bolton Council bosses have promised to meet after New Year to discuss how they can help the stricken continent.

Town Hall leader Cllr Barbara Ronson said: "The council would want to express concern to the hundreds of thousands of people who have been affected.

"I would ask people to support in any way that they can.

"I'm sure individual councillors will be making their own contributions.

"There's not a big pot of money for this at the council, but well see what we can do.

A service on Sunday will take place at Bolton Parish Church at 8am and 10.30am where Canon Williams will reflect on the disaster.

To donate money to the national Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) contact 0870 60 60 900 or visit www.dec.org.uk