Pants display marks anniversary

'Panters' were recruited through universities, adverts and Facebook

Campaigners have been marking the 10th anniversary of a protest that saw 70,000 people forming a human chain by wearing nothing but their underpants.

A total of 25 people turned up at Birmingham's International Convention Centre in their fair trade underwear.

It coincided with the 10th anniversary since the G8 conference of world leaders was held in the building.

Campaign group Pants to Poverty said the "pantathlon" showed "the unfinished business of third world debt".

The subject had been on the agenda of the world leaders, who included Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, a decade ago.

That meeting prompted 70,000 people to join the campaign calling for millions of pounds of debts to be cleared to help those in poorer nations and they formed a chain around Birmingham.

The world leaders vowed to listen to the calls.

However, campaigners have said not enough has been done since then to help people living in some of the poorest countries in the world.

'Drop our pants'

Volunteers - or "panters" - were recruited for the event through local universities, a Facebook group and advertisements in the local press.

Ben Ramsden, founder of Pants to Poverty, said: "We're not here to drop our pants - just drop the debt.

We're here, not to expose ourselves, but to expose injustice Craig Haynes, "panter"

"Ten years ago this same weekend, 70,000 people gave birth to a new phase in the fight against poverty.

"This event shows our committed 'panters' are prepared to drop their clothes to drive governments to drop the debt."

Craig Haynes, 22, of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, was one of those taking part.

He said: "We're here, not to expose ourselves, but to expose injustice.

"I've not been too embarrassed - they're cool pants and it's all for a good cause."

Pants for Poverty was set up by the youth members of the Make Poverty History campaign.