Marks & Spencer wants to thank its customers for their generosity in donating £2m so far to the Company's Asian Earthquake Appeal. Customers have been making donations in Marks & Spencer stores since 31 December.

This money is being sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) fund to support both the emergency relief efforts and the longer term reconstruction projects.

In addition to this, Marks & Spencer has made a corporate donation of £250,000 and the Company's Chairman and executive directors have personally donated £50,000. This £300,000 will be used for reconstruction efforts to rebuild communities in the Kalutara, Galle and Matara regions of Sri Lanka.

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For further information, please contact:

Sue Sadler Corporate Press Office - 020 8718 8642

"Our customers have responded with incredible generosity to our appeal and we would like to express our gratitude. The money raised will help make a real difference, through the work the DEC is doing to provide relief and help rebuild the affected countries."