Dan throws weight behind campaign

Desperate Dan sports his own Make Poverty History wristband

Desperate Dan's imposing statue is being used to encourage Scots to join the Make Poverty History campaign.

The beefy figure in Dundee is sporting his own white wristband associated with the UK-wide effort to reform the world's aid, debt and trade rules.

Mary Cullen, from the Make Poverty History Coalition Scotland, said the stunt with Dan would encourage action.

She said she wanted to see as many people as possible at the Make Poverty History rally in Edinburgh on 2 July.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the rally in Scotland's capital as the leaders of the world's richest countries gather at Gleneagles for the G8 Summit.

The rally will demand trade justice, debt cancellation, and "more and better aid" for the world's poorest countries.

Campaign tape

Ms Cullen, who also works for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (Sciaf), added: "We want family, friends and supporters from Dundee and across Scotland to spend eight hours of their lives in Edinburgh to change the minds of eight men who could transform the lives of more than 800 million people.

"It will be a great, well-organised and an unforgettable day."

Sciaf staff and volunteers have been visiting schools across the country to explain how they can make history by supporting the coalition.

Pupils from St John's, Dundee, some of whom are planning to attend the rally, were on hand to help place the white band on Desperate Dan.

Sciaf has produced a Make Poverty History resource pack, banners, T-shirts and barrier tape to wrap round buildings and gates

Sciaf is the official overseas aid and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland.

It supports programmes for change among poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America, responds to emergency appeals, and campaigns for a more just world.