A CHRISTIAN charity which helps debt-ridden York families has scooped a prestigious award.

Christians Against Poverty - which has a key branch in York - picked up a prize in the research, advice and support category in the Charity Awards 2003.

The debt counselling charity was presented with their award by Hilda Braid, an EastEnders actress, at a celebrity-packed gala dinner in Park Lane, London. The Charity Awards recognise management excellence, and Christians Against Poverty was joined at the ceremony by big names such as Comic Relief and Macmillan Cancer Research.

Daniel Phelan, organiser of The Charity Awards 2003, said: "It is very important to acknowledge the management achievements of voluntary organisations and to recognise the effort and commitment that goes into making charities work.

"Highlighting good practice helps to spread it throughout the sector, and draws attention to the talent and expertise behind charities. Awards are given to those charities whose excellence in charity management which will inspire others, and from which other organisations will learn."

Christians Against Poverty started when John Kirkby gave up his successful consumer finance career to help people out of debt and poverty.

Its services include in-depth debt counselling, practical budgeting and debt repayment services, insolvency and bankruptcy services. The York centre, which is open in partnership with Gateway Church, offers these services to anyone in debt and financial crisis.

Updated: 09:10 Tuesday, July 08, 2003