AS an active house to house collector during Christian Aid Week (May 12-18), and a past Chairman of the Bolton Christian Aid Committee, I am concerned to ensure that the notable success of the Bolton collection continues to grow.

As the name implies, it is the Christian churches and people who are working and collecting funds, to distribute to those in great need, throughout the Third World, irrespective of colour, race, creed, or religion.

Formerly this charity was called the "Inter Church Aid, Refugee and World Service", and was introduced locally through the Bolton Council of Churches as Christian Aid, about the same time as the telephone Samaritans service in 1967.

The Bolton Council of Churches, which became Churches Together in Bolton, were very supportive, with the Christian Aid annual report becoming an important and very interesting part of the Council's AGM.

Unfortunately, with the recent demise of the Borough-wide Churches Together in Bolton, our local Christian Aid committee have no collective support to whom they report, and through whom they are able to recruit.

As in so many ways Bolton is fairly unique, in having an overall ecumenical committee to co-ordinate the work of the collectors and fund-raisers across the Borough.

Their achievements were impressive, raising as much as £25,000 annually through the house to house collection.

Although more than 50 churches across the Borough are currently involved in this worthwhile effort, there are many areas which are not covered by the annual Christian Aid Collection.

We appeal to churches, who may be willing to put teams of collectors in their locality to support Christian Aid Week to contact: Chairperson Rev Glenda Bush on 01204 691539 or Secretary Mr Charles Hill on 01204 305649.

Reg Parry

Bromwich Street, Bolton