17012/3CROWDS turned out in force on Saturday to show their support for a charity drive aimed at wiping out world poverty.

Bradford on Avon was transformed as part of the Make Poverty History campaign and events were held across the town, including music and dancing in Westbury Gardens and street theatre.

Displays and a town petition, signed by 400 people, helped to raise awareness of the worldwide problem.

A spokesman for Fairtrade, who helped organise the event, said: "The day was superb. The street theatre was fantastic, and some people were moved to tears that the children had captured the essence of what this was about.

"We also had a petition, and our local MP came and spent a couple of hours with us in the morning. He has said that he will now present the petition in the House of Commons.

"It will really focus the government on the fact that the people of the country are really concerned about this."

The day highlighted the charity's aims: trade justice, debt cancellation and improved aid.