Leicestershire County Council has just announced the launch of an appeal fund to help those in Sichuan devastated by last week's earthquake.

Sichuan province and Leicestershire have been twinned for 20 years and close cultural, business, and school links have been built up between the two.

The fund has been set up after consultation with the British Red Cross.

For more information please click here.

People can donate money by:

- Sending cheques made payable to 'LCC Sichuan Appeal' to Chief Executive, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RA

- Completing a standard paying-in slip at any branch of National Westminster Bank using the details below:
Sort code: 60-60-06
Account number: 87418460
Please ensure the slip is marked 'Sichuan Appeal' and the name and address of the sender is clearly stated. Bank cashiers should not charge anyone for using this facility.

- Using their debit/credit card to call the County Council's Cashier's Office during office hours on 0116 305 6251 or 0116 305 7690.