FAIR trade and international development were top of the agenda when a foreign office minister made an appearance at a Bury church.

Minister Meg Munn joined Bury North MP David Chaytor at a public meeting at Holcombe Brook Methodist Church.

About 100 people turned out for the meeting, which was chaired by Mike Chesterton, North West regional manager for the Tearfund charity.

Mrs Munn talked about a visit to cyclone-hit areas of Myanmar (Burma) and answered questions on subjects ranging from fair trade to climate change and the political situation in Sudan.

The event was organised by Sandra Holt, of Holcombe Brook Methodist Church, and Christine Colbert, leader of the district Tearfund support and prayer group.

Sandra said: “It was a privilege to host a Tearfund meeting with two such high profile politicians, who used the opportunity to show their genuine concern for world poverty and climate change rather than for party political posturing.

“Every question from the floor was carefully answered with encouragement that the Christian voice is being heard and can make a difference.”

Mr Chaytor said: “It was great to welcome Meg to Bury North and it was very informative to hear about her work, especially in relation to fairly traded goods going a long way towards helping the poorest people in some of the developing countries of the world.

“Meg and I both thoroughly enjoyed the morning and appreciated the stimulating questions and the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”