CHURCH leaders joined Thornbury’s mayor this week for an event to highlight climate change ahead of Christian Aid Week, which starts on Sunday.

The meeting yesterday between Mayor Helen Harrison, Methodist minister the Rev Pete Brazier, Thornbury Baptist Church pastor Paul Ferguson, St Mary’s Church curate the Rev Matt Cottrell and Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Bristol and South Gloucestershire Dan Doherty, involved them standing in the stream at the Mundy Playing Fields to make a cup of tea.

This was designed to symbolise how families in countries like Bangladesh have to live their lives every day, under constant pressure from the effects changing climates.

This cause is one of many which Christian Aid Week fundraises to help, this year running from Sunday, May 15 to Saturday, May 21.

Volunteers in Thornbury will be involved in house to house collections during the fundraising week, as well as a special concert at Christ the King Hall at 7.30pm on the Saturday, where Mayor Harrison will talk about the work the group do.

In 2015, the Thornbury Christian Aid group raised £7,000, which contributed to the £1.24 million raised across the South West during Christian Aid Week.

Mayor Harrison, an active members of the Baptist Church, said: “Climate change is a very real issue to people all around the world, and affects communities large and small in a variety of ways.

“Christian Aid does some really important and impacting work to support communities who are at the sharp end of climate change and who, for no reason of their own, lack the resources to cope.

“There is a massive injustice within climate change. The theme of the week is ‘Love Every Neighbour’ and at the start of my year as Mayor when I know I will learn many things about our amazing community here in Thornbury.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to highlight the importance of remembering our global as well as our local neighbour.

“Please do support the week in any way you can.”

Tickets are available for the concert, which will showcase local talent including music and poetry reading, at a cost of £5 by calling 01454 417724.

For more information about Christian Aid Week and how to get involved visit http://caweek.org/christian-aid-week/story.html