A CRISIS-hit orphanage in Sri Lanka, that is having to double in size following the tsunami disaster, is getting a helping hand from Wigmore High School.

A series of 'mufti days' proved the biggest moneyspinner for students who raised a bumper £5,500 in five weeks.

The 500 students each paid £1 a day for the freedom of non-uniform Fridays, with guidance to 'dress for the office.'

Students and staff rallied round to support a number of other fundraising initiatives such as a draw for a 'Bozo' - a giant bear.

Headteacher Geoff Sharratt said he was proud of the achievement. "The student council set a target of £5,000 in five weeks and the school surpassed it. The mufti days were simple but very effective, " he said.

A major share of the fund will help orphans of the Paynter Homes in the Nuwara Eliya tea growing area of Sri Lanka.

'Street children' make up one third of the intake at the homes, founded in 1924 by missionary the Rev Arnold Paynter.

Wigmore deputy headteacher Bob Earl said: "The tsunami disaster will have a tremendous impact on the homes, with the influx of orphaned children from the coastal areas more than doubling the size."

He said building work was being carried out to convert a poultry broiler house into a dormitory with toilet facilities, re-roofing and refurbishment of accommodation and putting in new kitchen equipment.

"There are children of all denominations albeit they will be predominantly Christian.

"It costs currently 2000 rupees, which is the equivalent of £12 a month to keep one child. With 33 children and eight staff, farm and general upkeep costs this comes to 150,000 rupees per month, the equivalent to about £850.

"This will rise with the impact of additional children."

Wigmore High School has formed a link via Rob Beavan, parent of a former student, who started his association with the homes while doing VSO service in Sri Lanka as young man.