STAFF at Incommunities in Shipley have now raised more than £5,000 for a colleague providing aid to families affected by the earthquake disaster in Nepal.

Bimala Shankhar, an accounts clerk at the social housing provider, had been visiting family 20 miles from Kathmandu when the original quake hit earthquake hit on April 25.

She contacted work for help after using all her of own money to buy supplies for people in her village who were too scared to return to their homes.

Phil Canham, Incommunities director of finance, said Ms Shankhar, 39, had texted staff saying she had sustained a knee injury during the second quake to hit the region last week, while giving out emergency supplies to around 70 families.

"Despite this, Bimala said she was ok, and was drawing great strength from the support of staff, their families, and local groups, who have continued to raise funds to help towards getting warm clothing and food supplies to people in immediate need," he said.

"To date, over £5,000 has been raised, including kind donations by some of our suppliers.

"The money raised is being sent in regular amounts to make sure she is getting immediate support."

More than 8,000 people were killed in the April earthquake, Nepal's worst in 80 years, and at least another 65 have died since the further 7.3 magnitude blast last Tuesday.