EXPERTS are being called in from across Warrington to help the tsunami relief effort in Sri Lanka.

Warrington has been twinned with Moratuwa in the Asian island to provide technical expertise and advice as the country looks to rebuild following last year's disastrous storms.

More than 5,000 homes were destroyed and 14,000 people injured in the December disaster in Moratuwa alone.

Situated just south of the capital Colombo, the town has been twinned with Warrington with the help of the Local Government Association.

David Whitehead, chief executive at Warrington Borough Council, said he was delighted that the system had been set up.

He added: "It is not money we need, it is practical advice and technical support to regenerate the area.

"This will be a joint project between the council and other industries in the area.

"We are looking for people with technical knowledge and specialist skills.

"This will be a long term project - not just a couple of weeks.

"We need to send out a party to talk to the authorities and find out what sort of help that they need."

Technical difficulties in the Sri Lankan town means that an exact start date for the project has not yet been finalised.

But experts from across Warrington are needed to help put the town back on its feet.

Water giants United Utilities, based at Lingley Mere, Great Sankey has already agreed to send some of its experts to help out, now Mr Whitehead is urging others to do the same.

He added: "This is not a short term thing, but we want as many people as possible to help out."

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