CURRY fans in Oxfordshire have helped raise more than £6,000 to support Oxfam's relief work in cyclone-hit Bangladesh.

The money came from donations made by customers visiting curry restaurants, and through a fundraising dinner at Oxford Town Hall.

A cheque was presented to Oxfam, for projects helping people rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Cyclone Sidr last year.

Kyrul Islam, the Bangladesh Association Oxford chairman, was involved in the restaurant scheme, where customers made a £1 donation, which was added to their bill.

He said: "People had a real appetite to get involved and were happy to donate. This was an example of how different communities can come together for one cause."

Mohammed Mannan, chairman of the Oxfordshire Bangladeshi Association, helped to organise the Town Hall dinner in December.

He added: "We mustn't forget that 4,000 people died. Oxfam has worked for many years in my country, so we decided to help them raise money for their appeal."

Oxfam is spending £3.5m in the coastal districts worst affected by the giant storm, providing roof equipment, water filter systems and platforms for pumps and latrines.