TWO Okehampton organisations are reaching out to hundreds of thousands of Japanese people whose lives have been destroyed by the recent tsunami.

The Rotary Club of Okehampton, along with the Post Office, have organised a sponsored walk for Sunday March 27.

It will leave Okehampton Railway Station at 11am, heading along the Granite Way to the Bearslake Inn, before returning to Okehampton.

The organisers hope the walk will raise at least £600 — enough to buy a ShelterBox to help provide shelter, warmth and dignity to those affected by the disaster.

The boxes cost £600 each, and contain a tent, thermal blankets, insulated ground sheets, a water purification system, basic tools, a stove, utensils, pots and pans.

Andy Ewen, president of the Rotary Club of Okehampton, said: 'Shelterbox was originally a Rotary organisation but is now an independent charity based in Cornwall. It provides essential help to families in dire situations, and they do not come a lot worse than the situation faced by the people of Japan right now.'

There is a suggested entry fee of £5 per person for the walk, and if you wish to gain sponsorship, forms are available from the Post Office. The organisers have asked that anybody interested in joining the walk contact the Post Office on 01837 55962.