Local churches both in the UK and abroad are key players in international development according to a new report from an aid agency published at the weekend.

The economic and financial crisis could wipe up to $41 billion from the United Kingdom aid budget for developing countries over the next seven years, says research from the Catholic development agency CAFOD.

Targeted aid is getting good results in Africa, but the G8 are falling further behind on meeting their commitments, a new report from the organisation set up by U2 frontman Bono, has said.

The news announced yesterday that the government's overseas aid spending will increase by almost 17% a year to form a new record high has been welcomed by overseas development groups.