A "magic" fundraising appeal to help Bangladeshi acid attack victims is to be used as a template to help raise cash in other parts of the UK.

Dr John Morrison, founder of the Bangladesh Acid Survivors Trust, made the announcement after a charity event in Keighley this week.

Dr Morrison told almost 100 guests at dinner at Azeem's Restaurant, in South Street: "This is the first community event of its kind in the country.

"You may not fully realise the importance of what you have achieved. It is so wonderful and inspirational."

A cheque for £350 was handed over from the event at Azeem's and more than £500 was raised during the night.

It was added to the other funds raised during seven months of activities and Dr Morrison was handed a cheque for £5,320.

It was a multi-cultural campaign led by leaders of all faiths to raise money for the British charity BAST, which in turn supports the Acid Survivors Foundation, in Bangladesh.

The foundation works mainly with young women in Bangladesh who have suffered total facial burns as a result of having acid thrown at them -- mainly from car batteries -- by a jilted lover or over a dowry dispute.

The money raised pays for plastic surgeons to reconstruct the women's faces, and therapy, education and training so they can rebuild their lives.

Dr Morrison, who lives near Scarborough, told the diners that they know such attacks are happening in other countries.

And he said those included attacks in Africa and Europe, as well as the Asian sub-continent.

He said later: "This is truly inspirational. It really is the first effort of its kind here.

"As my wife said, Keighley must have a magic ingredient. It has set a superb example. We will use what has happened here over these past few months as a template for the rest of the country.

"You would be amazed what can be done with £5,000. It will help so many of the women."