VALERIE Singleton, leading BBC journalist and ex-Blue Peter presenter, is encouraging UK consumers to think before they spend, as she joins the fight against leprosy.

After celebrating World Leprosy Day on January 27, and witnessing first hand the ravages of leprosy on a trip to India with LEPRA (the British Leprosy Relief Association based in Colchester), Valerie says it's time the world took notice and action and is now asking people to support the fantastic work that LEPRA and its staff are doing.

Fundraisers are being asked to pledge £21-- which is enough to cure one person out of the 800,000 diagnosed every year with the curable disease. Contact LEPRA on 01206 562286 or email lepra@lepra.org.uk