SCHOOLS and parishes in Bury will help make poverty history by taking part in CAFOD's annual Lent Fast Day celebrations.

CAFOD, the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development whose north west headquarters is in Prestwich, is a leading member of the Make Poverty History campaign that is challenging world leaders on delivering trade justice, debt cancellation and better aid for the poorest countries.

Starting from Lent Fast Day last Frida, schoolchildren and parishioners are fundraising to support the campaign and taking part in a "Send My Friend to School" scheme.

Youngsters are making cut-out "friends" to represent more than 100 million children in developing countries who have no opportunity to go to school, and they can write to Tony Blair explaining why their "friend" deserves an education.

People from Bury can also join CAFOD at a G8 mass demonstration in Edinburgh in July and organisers have arranged a coach to transport Bury supporters to the event.

To book a place on the coach contact Sue Allerton on 0161 773 3318 or email Salford@cafod.org.uk