Originally the event, planned for Friday in aid of 16-year-old Nikey Robinson's Swim with Dolphins Appeal, had been advertised as being run with the backing of Benwick's Turf Fen Charity.

However, the charity – set up in 1858 to help people from Benwick in hardship and need – has since been told by the Charity Commission that it cannot support the event.

The rules of the Turf Fen Charity restrict it in what it can and cannot do, and although it is allowed to help individuals, it is not meant to help causes like Nikey's.

Alison Shepperson, Turf Fen's secretary, said: "The Charity Commission have informed us that we are unable to support one individual. But personally I give my support to this event and hope the gala is a great success and I know other members of the trustees are in agreement."

Gala night organiser Kirk Devall said it was a shame the Turf Fen Charity was unable to support it, but said: "It is definitely still going ahead. The Charity Commission have said there is no reason why it cannot go ahead as long as we publicise the fact it is no longer being supported by Turf Fen.

"As a result we have had to reprint tickets and posters and will also make an announcement on the night to say it is not being held with the support of the Turf Fen – however the extra costs of having new tickets and posters will not affect the money raised for Nikey."

In the meantime Alison said Turf Fen would continue to help people who either live or have lived in Benwick who are in need.

Money is raised for the charity through agricultural land given to the village in 1858 and is given to cases of need.

Alison explained: "It could be that someone has been in hospital and their husband or wife has run up a large phone bill because that was the only way they could stay in touch. We can pay that bill for them.

"Everything is treated confidentially and people can apply to the charity all year round – although traditionally we distribute charitable funds at Christmas time."

Tickets for the gala night, which is being held in a marquee on Benwick School playing field, are priced £10 and are available from Doddington Post Office, the Five Alls pub, Benwick or through Kirk Devall on (01354) 677772.
 

Oliver Perry said he was aware of the original plans, granted in 2000, for a two-bedroom bungalow next to his home. However, a new application for a larger, three-bedroom, bungalow, in 2003, means the property is much closer to the boundary of his home.

Mr Perry (53) is also concerned a six-feet high fence – marking the boundary between his Lilyholt Road home and the bungalow – would cut out his light.

Fenland Council said he and neighbours were notified of the changes, but Mr Perry said they were not.

"I did not receive notification," said garage proprietor Mr Perry, adding the new bungalow appeared closer to his 25-feet long conservatory than he first thought.

Mr Perry is concerned he will not even have room to clean the gutters and said he would have opposed the application.

There has been a suggestion that Mr Perry could buy a strip of land behind his conservatory to give him more room, but he does not see why he should.

He said he was prepared to take his complaint to the Secretary of State and has contacted local councillors seeking their help.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "We are aware of Mr Perry's formal complaint and there has been written correspondence with him regarding these issues.

"Mr Perry and his neighbours were consulted by letter about the applications and we have the dates the letters were sent out on file.
"With regard to the fence, it is below two metres in height so no consultation is required."

The 38-year-old is willing to give up his time to help rebuild communities that have been destroyed following the Boxing Day horror.

Mark, of Lilyholt Road, has already raised a few hundred pounds to go towards transport out there, but needs more local people and businesses to support him.

"I have a solid background in construction and engineering and feel that my skills would go a long way to helping in any task," he said.

He plans to travel to one of the areas which has the least amount of aid getting through. "I will go wherever help is needed most," he said.

Mark has had experience of smaller natural disasters whilst working for an oil company in and around Africa.

"I've dealt with flash floods on the Ivory Coast and heat waves in Morocco."