BANBURY Christian Aid Week organisers launched their 2007 campaign with a Countdown event at Marlborough Road Methodist Church.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Christian Aid Week - Britain's longest running door-to-door fund-raiser - and the organisation hopes to mark its golden jubilee by raising £15.5m nationwide.

Last year the collection in and around Banbury raised almost £8,800 and organisers admit it will be a tough total to beat.

Local Christian Aid co-ordinator Malcolm Bromhall said: "We did exceptionally well in 2006 and the people of the town and surrounding villages were very generous.

"It would be good to raise even more in this 50th anniversary year but we know that won't be easy.

"Our Countdown-style event gave us the chance to say thank you to all those who took part in last year's collection and enable us to start cranking up the enthusiasm for Christian Aid Week 2007, which runs from May 13-19."