THE Blackburn with Darwen Amnesty International Group would like to thank the people of the Blackburn area for supporting the Message of Hope campaign held in the Market Hall on Saturday, December 9.

Their efforts enabled us to send 337 Cards of Hope to 26 prisoners and to families of the 'disappeared'' across the world.

The support of our 'letters group' and of the public generally have enabled us, over the past year, to send approximately 1,400 letters and cards to support individuals or to remind governments of their duties with respect to human rights issues.

Amnesty International's present campaign is against the use of torture by 120 governments throughout the world. The Blackburn with Darwen group, hope that you will continued to support us in this fight to eliminate torture and the trade in instruments of torture.

One way of giving your support to this campaign is to join our "letters group." The letters come to you ready for signing and stamping.

For further details, contact, John Asher, 1 Joe's Close, Stainforth, North Yorkshire BD24 9PE. Tel 01729 825075, Fax 01729 825076, email: asher@provider.co.uk

Amnesty meetings take place every second Tuesday of the month at The Friends' Meeting House, Paradise Lane, Blackburn.

IRENE RYAN, Blackburn with Darwen Amnesty International Group.