THE plight of people made homeless by the Asian tsunami has struck such a chord with Wyre Forest residents that some plan to sleep under the stars and others have organised a charity concert with West End star, Gary Wilmot.

Kidderminster friends, Scott Denton and Natalie Hill, will arrive at Sainsbury's supermarket in Kidderminster at 2pm tomorrow and stay outside the store for the following 24 hours, on the pavement in sleeping bags, to raise cash for the Asian earthquake appeal.

The pair are no strangers to fund raising - going under the name of Cheeky Monkey entertainment to collect charity cash with public appearances - and hope to raise £500 with their latest antics.

They will entertain the crowds during the day with plate spinning, stilt walking and juggling.

Meanwhile, Kidderminster musician, David Howell, has organised a benefit concert by musicians including Jonathan Darby and Darren Richards to take place at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre on February 14.

More than £3,500 was also raised when 110 people enjoyed a curry supper at Heightington Village Hall, while customers at the Tesco store in Kidderminster also handed in £3,600 towards the appeal.

Store manager, Matt Reason, said the "lion's share" of that figure was donated the day the box was put out, almost two weeks ago.

Youngsters across the district have also been putting their best foot forward to raise cash for the appeal.

Sion Hill Middle School pupils, Bethany Rixon and Dawn Scipio, both 11, raised £28 by washing cars for friends and families, while Abberley Primary School pupils are taking part in a sponsored walk tomorrow.

It will be rounded off by tea and cakes in the village hall, where the local community is invited to join in the celebrations at 2.30pm.

More details and sponsor forms can be obtained by calling 01299 896332.

A charity night, featuring a host of R and B, rock and soul artists, has been organised by former Kidderminster College students, Saffron Box, Jon Lighting, Allan Oakes and Rob Groucutt. It will take place tomorrow night at the Mitre Tavern in Stourbridge.

Caring youths muck in

CAR owners will be able to get their mucky vehicles cleaned and help raise tsunami cash at the weekend.

Youngsters who attend a youth group at a Bewdley church will be on hand with buckets and sponges at Dog Lane car park in the town centre.

Money raised at Saturday's event, from 10am to 3pm, will be pledged towards the tsunami appeal.

Officers at the nearby fire station have offered water for the car wash and energy giant, npower, has offered to double the final amount raised.

The event is being staffed by members of the Riverside Church youth group, which meets at The God House in Dog Lane.

The Wednesday evening get-togethers at the church were becoming increasingly popular, with members edging towards 100 a night, said event organiser, Mary Smart.

She said: "Since we started the youth club we wanted to involve members in the community more and this is a day where they can show that."

Cakes and hot drinks will also be served on Saturday to raise cash for the appeal.