A man who is planning to visit the coast of Thailand next month to help rebuild a crippled resort has raised £3,000.

Chris Beaumont will use the cash to buy aid and supplies for the Khao Lak resort which was devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami.

Generous friends, family members and businesses have all contributed towards the 31-year-old joiner's relief effort to help rebuild homes.

The Telegraph & Argus reported earlier this month how Mr Beaumont, of Primrose Lane, Gilstead, had stayed at the resort prior to the disaster.

The qualified joiner, who was travelling in New Zealand when the tsunami struck, lost two diving partners when it hit the coast.

The cash has been raised following Mr Beaumont's plea for help in the T&A. Now he has booked a flight to the area and is hoping to spend three months working as a volunteer.

He is planning to teach his joinery skills to people in the area so they can rebuild their homes.

"I'm a little bit nervous about going now, especially with what's happened over the weekend with the latest earthquake, but nothing is going to stop me going," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Mr Beaumont thanked everybody who had contributed to the total but said he would welcome further donations.

He said: "I've done a sponsored event which raised £300. Local businesses have raised money and shops in Gilstead have donated cash which has been fantastic."

Mr Beaumont's employer - Bradford carpentry and joinery firm Abrahams and Carlisle Ltd - has also donated tools for families to use in Khao Lak.

And his mum, Maureen Beaumont, is raising money by taking part in a sponsored swim.

Mr Beaumont, a qualified diving instructor, is also planning to examine what effects the tsunami had on coral reefs.

He leaves on April 20 and people or businesses who want to support his effort can telephone him on (01274) 566283 or (07845) 140558.