Guardian Media Group has pledged £250,000 towards the tsunami disaster appeal.

The newspaper publisher, which owns the Manchester Evening News and the Reading Evening Post as well as more than 40 weekly titles in Berkshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Surrey, has donated the money on behalf of its four divisions.

As well as a host of regional newspapers it also publishes The Guardian and the Observer, has a radio division with a portfolio which includes Jazz FM, Smooth FM and Real Radio, and Trader Media Group, which publishes Auto Trader.

The money will go to the Guardian and Observer Christmas Appeal charity partner Concern, and will be directed to communities devastated in Sri Lanka.

GMG chief executive Sir Robert Phillis said: "Over the last two weeks all GMG's media operations have been keeping readers and listeners updated on the disaster in the Indian Ocean.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response of our readers and our staff throughout the organisation.

"GMG now wants to make a practical contribution by helping thousands of people in Sri Lanka to rebuild their homes and livelihoods."