ON behalf of Christian Aid, we wish to thank the people of Bury and district for helping to raise £24,570.92, a record total, through the house-to-house collection in Christian Aid Week.

That sum of money was sent off promptly, to be put to good use. We are also grateful to all who supported the 'Make Poverty History' campaign by sending letters to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer in advance of the G8 summit at Gleneagles, requesting more and better aid, debt cancellation and trade justice for the poorest countries of the world.

Christian Aid devotes money to those whose lives are destroyed by drought or disaster, by famine or flood, and in the case of the tsunami disaster it received an unprecedently generous public response. Most of its income, however, is used for long-term development in sixty Third World countries through 600 partner groups. It gives to people irrespective of colour or creed. Thanks again for offering signs of hope through the provision of seeds, wells, irrigation, health care, trade training and community development to the neediest people in the world.

Bill Brison

and the Bury and District

Christian Aid Committee