Chinese pensioners in Oxfordshire have raised more than £10,000 for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake which has made more than 15 million people homeless.

The Oxfordshire Older Chinese People Centre (OOCPC), which is based in West Oxford, raised the money after its members were left shocked by television images of the quake, which killed 69,016 people and left another 18,830 missing.

The group has raised £10,193, to contribute to the Chinese Red Cross to distribute tents, clothing and food to the disaster area.

The earthquake, which measured 8.0 on the Richter scale when it hit on May 12, continues to create panic in South West China, with aftershocks destroying more than 420,000 homes in the Qingchuan area of Sichuan Province.

Although the OOCPC is predominantly made up of ex-pats from Hong Kong, the community has pulled together to show support for their compatriots.

Chairman Tak Wing Chan from Marston, Oxford, said: "It's very sad.

"Every time we see the television it's upsetting.

"We just had to do something. Sichuan is about 100 times the size of Hong Kong and so many people have been affected by this.

"After we heard about the earthquake we had a meeting to try and raise money for the people in China - and we've had a great response."

Hing Lau, 84, from Headington, Oxford, donated £2,000 to the disaster fund, while Candy Lee, 58, from Carterton, raised £234 by selling Chinese food. Fellow donor Sally Wallace, 66, who lives in Cowley but is originally from Hong Kong, said: "It's unbelievable. The earthquake was a disaster for China.

"A whole area in Sichuan is demolished. These people have no homes now and they need this money more than we do."

Mr Chan added: "Although we sent this money over now we are still getting more donations coming in which we want to send over.

"This is going to be a long-term project."

For details on donating, contact twchan111@hotmail.com