A HAMPSHIRE charity which has saved the lives of more than 100,000 children has celebrated a major milestone.

The charity Care and Relief for the Young (CRY) opened its office in Hedge End in 1992 and has saved youngsters in some of the poorest nations in the world, providing food and education.

Hundreds of people from across the world flocked to Hedge End to celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary.

Celebrations took place at the Ageas Bowl and at King’s Community Church in Hedge End with hundreds attending a morning service and enjoying a birthday cake.

Chris Tait, chief executive officer at CRY, said: “It was wonderful. Everybody went away having learnt more about the work we are doing.”

Mr Tait and his team

co-ordinate projects which are run by volunteers in some of the poorest nations in the world such as Cambodia and Peru.

“We want to rescue and restore young people broken by poverty.

“Here we are in little Hedge End but we are making a massive difference across the world. We are facilitating the work that happens in other parts of the world,” Mr Tait said.

The charity, based at Sovereign Place,on Upper Northam Road, is currently running a project which offers care to pregnant women who live in remote villages in Cambodia and have difficulty accessing hospitals.

The charity also runs eight shops in the Solent area including one on Eastleigh High Street and one on Shirley Road in Southampton.

Mr Tait said: “We invite people to get involved.

“It’s a way to save children’s lives. We can help establishing them and give them a better life.”

To get involved visit cry.org.uk or call 01489 788300.