Castle Point MP Christine Butler today paid tribute to the churches and community groups across the borough which have been campaigning to cancel third world debt.

Her comments came after Chancellor Gordon Brown announced the Government would write off the money owed to Britain by the poorest countries in the world.

Mr Brown and international development secretary Clare Short have revealed that, by the end of next year, 25 countries should start receiving funds from debt relief.

Mrs Butler, Labour MP, said: "This is a significant move. Hundreds of millions of pounds of debt will be written off and will be spent reducing poverty in the world's poorest countries but not on bureaucracy, corruption or weapons.

"It is the best Christmas present we could have given to children in the developing world.

"By linking the relief directly to poverty reduction, help will be targeted on the most crucial areas, like improving health care and education."

She added: "I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and efforts made by the churches and community groups in Castle Point.

"Their support for debt relief has been crucial. I hope they keep working with the Government to persuade other countries to make the same commitment. These measures will bring lasting benefits to children and families in the world's poorest countries for many years to come."

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