THE people of Burnley have been congratulated by Chancellor Gordon Brown and International Development Secretary Clare Short for their efforts in campaigning to cut the debts of the world's poorest countries.

The praise came when the town's MP Peter Pike attended a meeting of the government's new International Finance Facility, to tackle the problems of borrowing in the Third World.

Mr Brown told Mr Pike: "Burnley's churches and other faith groups, local charities including CAFOD and Christian Aid, voluntary organisations and trade unions have done some magnificent work campaigning against poverty abroad and for debt relief.

"Their support has helped us drive through large scale debt relief and aid assistance and encourages us to do more."

Miss Short said: "Debt relief has to lead to reforms and improvements in spending on tackling global poverty. The government has increased UK aid and focused it on reducing poverty. We still have to do more."

He told Mr Pike: "The continued campaigning, support and momentum of people in towns like Burnley is vital to us as we work towards further joint international action to tackle global poverty."

The Labour back bencher commented afterwards: "I believe that solving the problems of poverty and illiteracy will help to solve many other problems in the world such as terrorism."