COMMUNITY leaders from across East Lancashire have united to back an appeal to rebuild a village destroyed by the Boxing Day tsunami.

And the New Life for Lokna Appeal, spearheaded by the son of the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, has already received thousands of pounds.

Johnathan Aurmstrong, who lives with his Indonesian wife Nyanyak and their two children in Jakarta, lost 40 relatives when the wave obliterated Nyanyak's home town.

The diocese's eleven Mayors joined the Dean, the Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong, at the cathedral to hear about the appeal and what they could do to help.

Along with Coun David Foster, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, he also received the appeal's first cheque for £2,500 from Balwat, Amarjit and Joginder Singh, members of the Siri guru Singh Sabna Gurudwara Sikh temple in Culshaw Street, Blackburn.

Peter Clarke, owner of Blackburn's Heaven and Hell nightclub, also raised £500 when he asked guests to donate to the appeal instead of birthday gifts.

And Blackburn College has raised £1,000 for the cause.

The money will go towards rebuilding the village school and homes an d supporting families who have adopted children.

The appeal was launched just days after a massive earthquake rocked Indonesia, instigating a second emergency operation.

It also needs to overcome widespread problems in the region, including civil war, corruption, the village's isolated location and moves by the Indonesian government to expel all Westerners from the area.

Coun Foster said: "The villagers of Lokna must not be forgotten."

Madhubala Pandya, chairman of the Blackburn with Darwen inter-faith council, said: "This appeal is showing that all faiths stand together and we are all united."

The Bishop of Burnley, the Right Rev John Goddard, said: "We have all heard Johnathan's story and the horrendous situation that has faced his family and others in Lokna. This is our chance to make a difference."

Ribble Valley Mayor, Charles Warkman, commented: "When you think of the long term regeneration that is needed and the massive problems these people face, it is obvious that we should support this appeal with everything that we have."

Chairman of Lancashire Council of Mosques, Ibrahim Masters, said: "This is an excellent idea to get all members of the community together for the purpose of helping another community."

Lord Tom Taylor of Blackburn, pledged: "I will do everything I can to help."

And Tony Melia, a Darwen Rotary Club former president and businessman, said: "The devastation has left us aghast and overwhelmed with sadness."