A COLLECTION to help victims of the devastating cyclone in Burma has raised more than £1000 - despite splitting opinions.

The Hereford street collection means local rotary clubs have raised enough money to provide temporary accommodation for 20 people but some shoppers needed to be persuaded to part with their money.

The Burmese government has been criticized for its reluctance to let international agenices help. Despite this, the Rotary Club has been allowed into the country to distribute aid and Herefordians have now helped their efforts.

"It was a wonderful response," said Ron Giles, the senior vice-president of the Hereford Rotary Club, about Saturday's collection which raised £1044.

"But you had some people who were quite belligerent saying 'You are giving this to all the generals, so what is the point?' "But we explained that we have got a team on the ground and the aid is getting there as we are seeing the planes unloaded.

"I said to one man 'Do you think a general will give up a house to live in a tent?' "Once people knew we were sending shelterboxes, and not money, that made a big difference to their attitude."

Despite some reluctance to donate, the volunteers found individual contributions were very generous.

"Although we had some people coming up and being belligerent, it was a very strange split because we have never had such a collection before in the way of notes," said Mr Giles.

"We had over £400 in notes. This has never happened before in all my experience of tin shakes. I think it's because people really feel sorry for them."

The collection will buy two shelter boxes. These provide tents that are big enough to house 10 people, six months worth of water purifying tablets and cooking facilities.

Internationally, Rotary has currently donated £300,000 so far which will buy 600 shelter boxes and another 1000 are on the way.

"Rotary is a huge organization and I think we are getting in because we are non-governmental," said Mr Giles.

Saturday's collection in High Town was organized by members of Hereford City and Wye Valley Rotary Clubs.