The ex-envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury was captured in the 1990s in Beruit and is the UK president of the worldwide Emmaus organisation, which works to help the homeless by providing accommodation, companionship and a reason to get out of bed in the morning!

An independent branch of the organisation has been formed in the town and on Thursday, November 6th, at 4 p.m. in Burnley Town Hall, Mr Waite will signal the start of the campaign.

The scheme provides accommodation for people as long as they need it and is usually en-suite, with a large sitting room and dining area where people can mix socially, as well as a cafe and retail outlet which is run inhouse and sells second-hand furniture and goods.

The Burnley branch is now formally constituted both as a limited company by guarantee and as a registered charity. Called Emmaus Burnley, former MP Mr Peter Pike is the chairman of a board of trustees. A grant of £1m. has already been secured and the group is now looking for suitable land in the town to build the accommodation.

An official guest list has been drawn up to mark Mr Waite's visit and there are a few spaces left for anyone interested in attending. For more information on the project or to apply for an invitation, write to Mr Pike at 30 Deerpark Road, Burnley, BB10 4SD.