City firms hailed for raising millions

Some are donating hundreds of thousand of pounds, others are sending medicines and yet more are dispatching staff and equipment to help in south-east Asia.

Just as ordinary Britons have been moved to donate to help victims of the tsunami, the country's largest companies are making an unprecedented contribution.

They have raised millions and have been praised by relief agencies for their "phenomenal response". Among those companies affected, BP is searching for a handful of missing employees believed to be in the region.

Britain's largest company is also giving $3 million (?1,594,000) - among the largest single donations, but less than two hours of its current profits.

Drugs giant GlaxoSmithKline has provided millions of doses of antibioticsand vaccines, while cigarette giant British American Tobacco is funding the rebuilding of a devastated Sri Lankan village.

Almost all firms have agreed to match staff donations. Halifax has given ?10,000 so far and most companies are keeping their contributions under review.

Marks & Spencer has a big supply base in the region and has raised ?250,000 while Thames Water is supplying expertise and donations to the aid effort.