A Bradford charity which fights to free people from poverty has established itself as a true globetrotter.

Christians Against Poverty, launched as a one-man operation in the city only four years ago, has opened its first branch in Australia.

Founded by former finance worker John Kirkby the group - which helps people to free themselves from the clutches of debt - has already expanded into a network of 13 outlets across Britain.

Mr Kirkby returned from down under earlier this month after overseeing the branch launch at Port Macquarie, close to the city of Newcastle, north of Sydney.

The new group, run by a local church, was fully established and helped its first families within Mr Kirby's four-week stay.

CAPs amazing success began in 1996 when Mr Kirkby decided to leave his well-paid job in the consumer finance and mortgage industry.

He said: "Four years earlier I became a Christian and in the end I had to make a decision whether I wanted to continue concentrating on my career or try and make a difference in other ways." In the first year of launching the group, Mr Kirkby worked with 32 families around the city.

Christians Against Poverty, linked to the Christian Life Church in Saltaire, offers intensive counselling, draws up budgeting plans and acts as a mediator between the family affected and lenders. It stresses that those taking part must want to rid themselves of debt and sign up to stringent rules which include taking no more credit and living within their means.

Mr Kirkby admits that his own finance career makes him a "gamekeeper turned poacher"-- and his knowledge of the field is invaluable in his new role.

He says finance is becoming increasingly easy to obtain with firms paying no regard whether customers can actually repay it.

"Some then ruthlessly pursue the money which can have devastating results, including families not having enough to feed their children," said Mr Kirkby.

Since its launch, the CAP has taken on 29 employees, has a charity turnover of £388,000 and works in areas reaching from Strathclyde to Aldershot.

The latest venture came after Mr Kirkby met Australian businessman and Christian Warren Turner, who set up a mortgage-related business in Bradford. He describes their meeting, and the subsequent expansion of CAP, as "something far greater than coincidence". After seeing CAP's work, Mr Turner offered it financial assistance and invited Mr Kirkby, his wife and children to visit his family in Australia.

"I knew that I was going to speak to his church about what we did but by the time I had left, they had set up their own group and already helped two families. It was absolutely amazing."

Any wishing to support CAP or seek its help should write to: Christians Against Poverty, NEA 3201, Bradford BD7 1BR.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.