THE leader of the Church of England in East Lancashire has chosen food-aid projects in Guatemala and Uganda as the beneficiaries for his harvest appeal.

Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Rev Nicholas Reade is hoping to better the £28,347 raised last year for water-related schemes in Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

Bishop Nicholas said: “Although times are hard here in England, they are much, much harder in many places abroad.

“Jesus said that it was more blessed to give than to receive, and I wish the people of our diocese every blessing as they give in response to this year’s harvest appeal.”

The Guatemala project is supported by Christian Aid and the Mother’s Union is involved in the Ugandan initiative.

Both revolve around helping some of the world’s poorest communities to grow more and improved crops for families.