CHRISTIAN Aid Scotland’s supporters are gearing up for their annual sponsored walk across the Erskine Bridge.

For 29 years, supporters have raised thousands of pounds for the world’s poorest communities by walking across the bridge.

This year organisers are hoping the event, which will take place on Saturday, May 7 between 2pm-5pm, will be even bigger and better and are inviting local people to join them.

Much of the money raised from the event is expected to be directed towards Bangladesh, which is the focus of Christian Aid Week from May 15-21.

Bangladesh is home to 160 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries on earth, four fifths of whom live on less than £1.30 a day.

The country’s location, geography, large rivers and monsoon climate make it incredibly vulnerable to natural disasters, including floods and cyclones.

And with climate change worsening, extreme spells of rain and floods in the country are becoming more frequent.

The rising sea level is also taking its toll, making the impact of cyclones even worse as sea water reaches further inland. Experts predict 40 per cent of Southern Bangladesh’s farmland could one day be under water.

When the water begins to rise, people store their most valuable possessions in their cooking pots, to stop them being washed away.

Some of the bridge cross fundraisers will bring their cooking pots filled with what they might save if their homes were flooded.

Amy Menzies, events fundraiser for Christian Aid Scotland, said “The Erskine Bridge Cross has been a great event organised by Christian Aid supporters for 29 years to support the work we do in areas such as Bangladesh.

“Every year we look forward to the fun day that sees generations come along together to cross the west of Scotland’s iconic bridge.”

To take part in the Erskine Bridge Cross register at www.christianaid.org.uk/walks or call Amy on 0141 241 6138.