A mulit-million pound rescue fund for families who lost their entire Christmas savings has been boosted by Oxfordshire's MPs.

The Farepak Response Fund was launched this month to help thousands of families who were left out of pocket when the Christmas hamper firm called in administrators.

Residents of Blackbird Leys, Barton and Cowley in Oxford and others in Abingdon, Witney and Bicester lost thousands of pounds in the collapse of the firm.

All MPs were urged to pay a day's wage - about £165 - to the cause by Trade Secretary Ian McCartney speaking in Parliament.

But so far only three of the county's six MPs have confirmed they have made a donation. The fund has now reached £4.3m.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith was one of the first to dig into his pocket.

He said: "I think it's the right thing to do, and what's more, the call which I and other MPs are making for supermarket chains, banks and others to contribute has more force if we have given something ourselves. The Farepak victims can't afford to lose this money.

"We should all rally round. It is Christmas.

"All the MPs I know make a variety of donations and I'm not knocking anyone who decides not to contribute.

"Of course it's no substitute for getting to the bottom of who is responsible for this collapse, and bringing in proper regulation, with insurance protection, as I called for in the Commons. So far 30 local families, with losses ranging from £200 to £3,500 have contacted my office."

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Dr Evan Harris has sent money, but would not reveal the details.

He added: "The behaviour of the directors, and possibly the bank, was poor and there should be some kind of regulation brought in for these sorts of issues.

"My generosity is a private issue - I don't broadcast it or publish all the donations I give."

A spokesman for Banbury MP Tony Baldry said: "We did not wish to advertise the fact, but he has given a day's wage to the Farepak fund.

"It is not about blame but about helping the families."

A spokesman for Witney MP and Conservative Party Leader, David Cameron, said yesterday he would be paying a day's wage - which is more than the average MPs' wage - very soon.

However, Wantage MP Ed Vaizey said he would not put any money to the cause because he already supported the Oxfordshire Community Fund and other charities.

A spokesman for Henley MP Boris Johnson could not confirm whether he had donated.

To pledge money, send a cheque by November 24 to Farepak Response Fund, Unit 4, Alpha Court, Monks Cross Drive, Huntingdon, York, YO32 9WN, call 0845 260 1096 or visit www.farepakresponsefund.org