Children and staff at Balbardie Primary School in Bathgate have pledged to raise cash for the Caribbean country's people after witnessing human tragedies unfold on the news as a result of the disaster.

They held their Christmas disco on Wednesday after it was cancelled in December due to the bad weather and sold glow sticks to help the ongoing aid effort.

A special dress down assembly is to be held tomorrow, with children paying £1 to take part.
Other fundraisers including a coffee morning will be held at the school in the weeks and months ahead.

Head teacher Audrey Ford said: "The children are really rallying round to raise money to help the people of Haiti.

"The children were upset at seeing all the stuff on the news and asked us to have the dress down day on Friday.
"We will be holding other fundraising activities next month as people over there will still need support for some time to come."

Livingston MSP Angela Constance is also urging West Lothian residents to donate money to the aid effort.

She said: "This has been an appalling disaster and no-one seeing the footage of the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake can fail to be moved.

"Huge numbers have died and the infrastructure in Haiti has been absolutely devastated.

"Haiti desperately needs the rest of the world to come to their aid at this very difficult time and I'm sure that West Lothian folk will want to do their bit."

If you are raising money or aid for Haiti let us know on 01506 670205, or email us at westlothiannews@scotsman.com

The death toll in Haiti could reach between 100,000 and 200,000 after the earthquake which measured seven on the Richter Scale.

Substantial humanitarian assistance is required to ensure survivors get food, clean water, emergency shelter, medical care and other support.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella organisation for 13 humanitarian aid agencies, has launched an appeal for money.

To donate, visit www.donate.bt.com/dec_form_haiti.html

Call 0370 60 60 900; Text GIVE to 70077 to donate £5 and your standard network SMS rate; cheques should be made payable to DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE and sent to DEC HAITI EARTHQUAKE, PO BOX 999, LONDON, EC3A 3AA; or go to any high street bank or post office quoting Freepay 1449.