Mission society vows to help

The local charity runs a radio station, church and school in the country and has pledged all the money donated will go directly to help the people there.

Tommy Anderson, who runs the charity office at Beechfield Manor, said they had accounted for their staff in the country - all nationals.

He said the radio station - Radio Lumiere - had been knocked off the air for a brief time by the quake but as of Monday was back broadcasting.

The school was also unaffected while the church had suffered some cracking but no major structural damage.

However, with the fear of aftershock, worshippers held an open air service on Sunday.

The charity's base in Haiti is outside the capital in a place called Cot Plage.

Tommy explained: "The school building appear to be okay and it's one of the few schools still standing.

"Our people in Haiti tell us tent cities have sprung up everywhere, wherever there is an open plot of ground.

"We're trying to get aid out and all donations will be gratefully received."

He said the society was a registered charity - no 274142 - and money given would go in total to the relief effort.

Donations can be made at the society's office at 7 Beechfield Manor, Lurgan, BT66 7GR. Call Tommy on 3832 8197 for more details.