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SWINDON'S Chinese community has expressed its horror following the earthquake that crippled parts of their homeland.

The powerful earthquake's epicentre was in the south western province of Sichuan has killed thousands of people.

Shan Wai, owner of the Shanghai Chinese restaurant in Faringdon Road, said: "We weren't really aware of it until quite late in the day.

"Thankfully, none of our staff are from that area but it is horrific that something like this has happened."

George Zhang, who works at AcuCare in the Brunel Centre, said that he felt lucky his family were well away from the devastation.

He said: "My family stays in a different part of China, thankfully very far from where the earthquake happened. I know they're definitely safe."

Moon Bear charity Animals Asia, which was featured in yesterday's Adver, received thousands of calls from people who were concerned for the welfare if staff and bears at the charity's sanctuary in China.

Former Swindon resident, Jill Robinson, pictured left, who founded the charity, said: "Immediately after the terrible news about the earthquake we received thousands of calls from worried supporters fearing for staff and bears at the sanctuary.

"The good news is that the people and the bears are okay but our hearts go out to families of all those who have lost their lives."

Sarah Chilvers, a Swindon supporter of the charity said: "My husband and I were in Chengdu in October last year and I hear that the area was quite badly effected by the quake.

"The staff I got to know during my time are all safe even though there had been damage done to the buildings."

Heather Bacon, the charity's senior vet, who is in Chengdu at the sanctuary, said: "Buildings were shaking and the office and accommodation block shook a lot too and was quite dodgy.

"The accommodation is unsafe and there are cracks in the ceiling.

"The ground was moving and building was swaying quite a bit.

"There are tiles missing off roofs.

"Some concrete has fallen down and there's a big hole in the roof of a kitchen but the people and bears are okay.

"However, we're still getting tremors and aftershocks."

Relief workers from Wiltshire could soon be sent out to the region to help with the rescue efforts.

Rapid UK, based in Gloucestershire, said its members were ready to lend their support.

Director Graham Payne said: "We have made an offer of help to the Chinese embassy in London and the British embassy in Beijing but none of our offers have been taken up."

And travel agents in Swindon have advised people against travelling to China if they can.

Jerry Clarke from Swindon Travel, in Havelock Street, said: "The Home Office has told us to advise all our passengers against travelling unless it is essential."

8:57am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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