The Prince of Wales has praised a project to help provide the world's poorest people with safe drinking water.

The Abingdon and District Millennium Miracle has received a letter of congratulation from the prince that applauds the imaginative efforts of the town in raising cash for WaterAid.

Prince Charles, who is president of Water- Aid, said he was "delighted" by the project.

The letter read: "As WaterAid's president, His Royal Highness has the highest regard for its work and is always hugely encouraged to hear that others think the same way. But few have used such an imaginative range of methods to raise money for it.

"The Prince of Wales sends his warmest congratulations and hopes that as many local people as possible may feel inspired to lend their support to this marvellous scheme." A range of events has so far raised £18,000, including a donation through the website from Abingdon, USA, for the project.

ADMM secretary Margaret Rickman said: "This is a wonderful boost and a recognition of the efforts the people of Abingdon have made to support this project."

WaterAid provides low-maintenance solutions to water problems by planning, developing and maintaining clean water systems.

Each project costs an average of £10 per head.

The project was set up in Abingdon as a way of marking the Millennium,

Committee members are needed to help the project. Anyone interested should contact Mrs Rickman on 01235 202940.

Story date: Wednesday 23 February

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