A Brighton counsellor is heading east with her dog Zigger to help the young survivors of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

Eddi Piper, 67, who has spent the past 30 years working with children and teenagers, is moving to the Hikkaduwa area of Sri Lanka where 4,000 people were killed in the disaster.

70% of those that died were woman and Ms Piper, of Holland Street, Brighton, said many of the children have found it difficult to move on.

She said: “While the causes of British and Sri Lankan young people's problems may be different, many of the helping strategies are similar.

“It is not quick or easy. It takes experience, patience, and of course money.”

Ms Piper said her King Charles Spaniel, which is helping her to reach the target of £22,000 she hopes to raise over the two years, will be with her in the country.

The money will be used to maintain the Chandrasevana Community Centre where she will be based, and to pay the teachers who train young people.

She is a member of the Hullabaloo Community Quire, which has helped in the fundraising effort, before the October move.

For more information on the project or ways to donate visit www.eddigoeseast.com.