A Falmouth couple will be holding a garage sale to raise money to help rebuild a school in Thailand that was devastated by the 2004 tsunami.

Ann and Roy Picken, who own the Lerryn Hotel, will run the event from their De Pass Road home on Saturday. All proceeds will be passed to their son-in-law, Squadron Leader Kevin O'Neill, who will be leading his second RAF expedition to the area to help rebuild the Ban Kamala School.

Mrs Picken said: "Kevin has done a great job helping to rebuild the school after it was destroyed by the tsunami.

"A lot of the children were orphaned as a result and without the school many of them were left with nothing.

"So rebuilding and providing them with an outlet was very important.

"It will be great for people to come along to help us raise as much money as possible for this worthwhile project."

Squadron Leader O'Neill, who was born in Falmouth and is based at RAF High Wycombe, led the initial trip in February 2006.

As well as helping at the school, the team undertook a scientific survey on behalf of the Natural History Museum to look at the effects of the tsunami on the seabed and sea life.

Mrs Picken said: "We're really proud of Kevin and the work that he has done in Thailand. As well as the school, he and his team have produced valuable information into the effects that the tsunami has had on the environment."

So far, Mr and Mrs Picken and Squadron Leader O'Neill have raised more than £1,000 by holding various events including a talk at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in December 2005 and a series of coffee mornings.

The fundraising event is being held at the Lerryn Hotel between 10am and 1pm on Saturday.

Further details are available from Ann or Roy Picken on 01326 312489.