THOUSANDS of pounds were raised for those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Visitors to the event, at St Francis Church, Welwyn Garden City, enjoyed Japanese food and activities.

All proceeds – �7,500 – will go to Peace Winds Japan – a Japanese-based NGO, (Non-Government Organisation) committed to helping survivors of the earthquake and tsunami.

Activities included origami, calligraphy and shiatsu massage.

Visitors were also treated to a Taiko (Japanese drum) performance, as well as a karate demonstration.

Japanese delicacies including sushi, fried noodles and curry rice were also on offer.

The ‘Give Japan Hope’ event was organised by Welwyn resident Kaori Rose.

She said: “As a Japanese national, I have been especially touched, to think that were it not for chance or fate, I could have been part of this terrifying experience.”

Donations can still be made via Peace Winds Japan’s website www.peace-winds.org/en/

Our pictures show some of the many attractions including a cake stall, caligraphy paper being hung up, curry rice and fried noodles being served up, and one of the many volunteers with a collection tin.

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