International Development Minister Alan Duncan has visited South Craven.

He was invited by his Parliamentary private secretary and the local MP, Julian Smith.

They took part in a summit, at Glusburn Community Primary School, of schools and organisations which support aid efforts around the world and promote international links.

Among those represented were Lothersdale Primary School, Skipton Girls’ High School, South Craven School, Oxfam, Water Aid and the OurSpace project.

Later that day Mr Duncan visited the Skipton Building Society and Broughton Hall Business Park.

He said: “It was a pleasure to be able to accept Julian’s invitation to visit the area, hear about the work being done on international development and witness the drive of local businesses to create growth.

“The discussion focused on the importance of the work the Government is doing to develop greater understanding about people less fortunate than us around the world. It was encouraging to see so much commitment from people young and old in Craven to international development.”

Mr Smith said he was delighted to welcome the Minister to Craven to show off the “excellent” work done by schools, charities and organisations to promote aid and development around the world.

“We should be proud of the links Craven has with other countries,” he said.