PUPILS and parishioners across Bolton have prepared for Easter by raising more than £9,000 for people affected by weather-related disasters around the world.

The money raised by the schools and churches is going to Catholic aid agency CAFOD’s annual Lent fundraising appeal, which is this year focused on supporting people affected by floods, droughts, and storms.

This Lent, the UK government will match every pound donated to the Lent Fast Day appeal up to the value of £5 million.

This means that donations from people in Bolton will have double the impact, helping even more people living in extreme poverty overseas.

Ged Edwards, CAFOD manager in Bolton, said: “Thank you to everyone in Bolton who has supported our Lent appeal.

“The generosity of our supporters here at home means that CAFOD can support people around the world whose lives are being affected by climate change, including communities which are vulnerable to more frequent and severe storms and floods. This is a wonderful way of putting our faith into action as we prepare for Easter.”

CAFOD helps communities in countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America when weather-related disasters strike, and supports people to rebuild their lives.

It then works with affected communities to put measures in place to lessen the impact the next time an emergency hits – such as a typhoon in the Philippines or a cyclone in Myanmar. The agency believes that climate change, which scientists* state with 95 per cent certainty is being driven by human activity, is the biggest threat to tackling poverty worldwide.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: "By fundraising this Lent, people in Bolton are making a real difference to people around the world whose lives are vulnerable to floods and devastating storms.

“That is why the UK is doubling donations to CAFOD's important appeal, to help even more families across Africa and Asia withstand the effects of extreme weather. This means around 450,000 people will be better prepared to rebuild their lives when natural disasters strike.”