A CROPTHORNE charity has received public backing from Prime Minister Theresa May after it was brought to her attention by Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston.

Mrs May tweeted her support for Action on Poverty who aid sustainable development in some of the world’s poorest regions, particularly impoverished communities in Africa.

Mr Huddleston had previously raised the charity’s work in the House of Commons in a question to former International Development Secretary Priti Patel, highlighting the charity’s work in empowering women by providing loans for businesses

Mr Huddleston said: “I am proud to have such an outstanding charity based in my constituency and glad to have been able to draw their work to the Prime Minister’s attention, having voiced my support for them in the House of Commons last year.

“Their efforts and the good that they have done in some of the world’s poorest communities deserve the recognition that the Prime Minister has given them.

“I would encourage anybody in local communities around Cropthorne who have a passion for the global fight against poverty and inequality to consider Action on Poverty as a worthy charity for their support."

Recent initiatives by the charity include ensuring fair trade banana growers receive a fair price for their work and an apprenticeship programme to develop skills in poor rural communities.

Alex Daniels, chief executive of Action on Poverty said: “We are delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised our charity in this way.

"Action on Poverty works hard to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world – such as young people with no education or hope, women facing abuse or those eking out a living where drought threatens their survival.

"We provide the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable livelihoods, helping them to feed and provide for their families now and in the future through their own efforts.

"Many people locally are surprised to learn of a Worcestershire charity reaching out internationally to many other communities and thousands of families.

"We are proud of this impact and we greatly appreciate the recognition given."