THE Dorset Echo is asking you - our readers - to dig deep and help raise money for the survivors of the bloody Beslan massacre in Russia.

The shattered community is still burying its dead following the siege when terrorists took hundreds hostage at the school. And it will take years for the community to come to terms with the tragedy that unfolded in its midst.

More than 330 people - many small children on their first day at school - lost their lives as the school was stormed amid a series of explosions.

We know that you have given generously to previous appeals that have made a big difference to people's lives. We hope that you will help us to help the children this time.

All the money collected by the Echo will go directly to the people of Beslan.

The Echo Beslan Appeal aims to help rebuild the shattered community in Beslan as the death toll climbs, grief-stricken families bury their loved ones and 180 adults and children are still missing.

Russian-born Yelena Harris-Fletcher, 25, a telesales advisor at the Dorset Echo, appealed for people to give as much as they could, however little that may be.

She spoke out as she accepted the first cheque into the fund, for the sum of £500 from Hollybush Hotels.

Now she is urging the people of Dorset and businesses across the area to give generously for the sake of her stricken countrymen.

Mrs Harris-Fletcher, who moved to Weymouth four years ago from Russia and married a local man, said: "I am proud to accept this money on behalf of the Russian people.

"It is heartbreaking and terrifying to see the children dying in my homeland - I do not know what sort of people could do this, even terrorists, it is the worst crime.

"How could they hold such small children hostage?

"I telephoned my parents three times every day during the siege - we are all praying for bereaved families and survivors.

"Please help the Echo Beslan Appeal by giving what you can - even £1 will help a little bit and I am sure the Russian people will appreciate it."

Hotelier Martyn Harrison, who owns the Hollybush Hotel group which runs the Riviera, Russell and Prince Regent hotels in Weymouth, donated £500 to the Echo Beslan Appeal.

He said: "Like everybody else, I was touched by watching the news - it is absolutely beyond understanding. I am at a loss for words when this happened, what can you say?"

n If you would like to make a donation, cheques should be made out to the Echo Beslan Appeal and sent to Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.

Cash and cheque collection points can be found at customer services desks in Asda and Safeway in Weymouth, Tesco in Dorchester, and Echo offices in Weymouth and Dorchester. Call Emily Pykett at the Dorset Echo on 01305 830987 if you can help the appeal in any other way.