GENEROUS residents in the borough raised more than £22,000 for the world's poor.

In May, hundreds of volunteers from 36 local churches visited homes across the district with Christian Aid envelopes which brought in £22,435. The money will be used to help fund projects among the poorest communities in around 60 countries.

Mr Bill Brison, chairman of the Bury Christian Aid branch, said: "The people of Bury should be very proud of themselves. They are caring, generous and aware that there a millions of people around the world who are poor and do not enjoy even the most basic of life's necessities.

"While money is given in the short-term to those affected by natural or man made disasters, the majority is give to long-term development in the provision of, for example, seeds, irrigation, health care, trade training and community development."