THEY came in their thousands from across the south to show their support for a global issue.

Almost 2,000 people formed a human ring around Winchester Cathedral to peacefully protest about world poverty.

There was also a picnic in Abbey Gardens followed by a procession through the city centre to the cathedral grounds where live music and even a puppet show had been set up to keep people entertained.

The event was set up by the Diocese of Winchester and the Winchester Mother's Union branch as part of the international Make Poverty History campaign.

The crowd also heard talks from the Bishop of Southampton, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, and Mary Bradford from the Christian Aid campaign team, both of whom addressed the crowds on what they could do to help the campaign.

Mrs Bradford said: "By coming here people are showing that poverty is a disgrace, and that more must be done to end this scandal in developing countries around the world.

"We are determined to change this, and that's what the Make Poverty History campaign is all about."

She added that the key to ending poverty in the world's poorest countries was based on three pillars - dropping all the debts owed by developing countries to rich nations, ensuring more official government aid is given and reaches those in most need, and putting in place fair trade laws.

One family who had made the trip to Winchester for the event were John and Samantha Haynes and their two daughters Jessica and Charlotte from Botley.

They said: "Poverty is a global problem and one that richer nations like ourselves have only made worse."

Another member of Saturday's chain, Mary Innes, 20, a student from Wavell Way in Winchester, added: "It is a disgrace that we live so well while others struggle to find enough just to feed themselves for one day."

Alison Hudson, president of the Winchester Diocese Mother's Union, said: "I think it's been a wonderful event."