THE Chinese community has rallied round to help paralysed acrobat Xu Yan.

The 22-year-old is stranded in Salisbury with no money after a fall from a high wire while rehearsing with the Chinese State Circus.

Xu Yan, a patient at the District Hospital, speaks no English and has only her mother with her.

When they heard of her plight last week, the recently-formed Chinese Community Association of Wiltshire sprang into action.

They threw a party with cake and presents to celebrate Yan's birthday.

"She told us she had never had such a special party," said one organiser. "She had tears in her eyes."

They have also been busy organising a fundraising afternoon at the Guildhall on Sunday which promises traditional Chinese entertainment for all the family.

There will be professional lion dancers, and children from Wiltshire Mandarin Club will perform a mini dragon dance.

Chinese dumplings, known as dim sum, will be on offer, and people can try their hand at making them.

The afternoon will also feature Chinese opera, calligraphy, and musical performances as well as traditional massage treatments by qualified doctors.

Entrance for the event, being run jointly with Southampton's Chinese community, is £2.

Organisers say donations of food from local Chinese restaurants and takeaways would be very welcome.

The Southampton group raised more than £1,000 for Yan at a Chinese New Year celebration on Sunday.