CHRISTIAN Aid Week came to Okehampton last Saturday, as eleven collectors were in the town inviting people to contribute to the work of the charity.

There was no street collection last year, as those organising it had moved on and others had not been found to take over the task.

But a new group in Okehampton, called Just Living, took on the work, assisted by church members from Fairplace Methodist Church and All Saints Parish Church. This year's collection amounted to £291.

Christian Aid works among some of the poorest people of the world, helping them to develop their own resources, and fighting on their behalf for fair treatment in international business and finance.

The charity is funded mostly by people with strong Christian convictions, but once a year makes an appeal to the wider public. This annual appeal has traditionally been made through envelopes delivered through doors and collected several days later.

In Okehampton this year, envelopes have been distributed to most of the newer houses in the town, via the Good Neighbours magazine. Three shops acted as return points for the envelopes. They can still be used to donate to Christian Aid Week, by dropping them off at OK Leisure in Fore Street.

Donation envelopes have also been distributed in South Tawton and South Zeal, and there is a coffee morning on Saturday, May 26 at Church House in South Tawton from 10am to noon, to which envelopes can be returned.

Just Living is dedicated to the pursuit of social care and social justice based on broad Christian values. It is still a small group, and would welcome further members. For more information, contact David Muir on 01837 840867.