A COLCHESTER charity is leading the way when it comes to fighting serious illness and poverty in Third World countries, according to Essex Euro MP Richard Howitt.

Mr Howitt will today visit Lepra, based in Middleborough, as part of Small Charity Week, which aims to raise the profile of charities which do not court headlines. 

The MEP, who is Labour's foreign affairs spokesperson in Brussels has also spearheaded a campaign to end polio by curing the remaining 1 per cent of cases around the world.

He said: “Small charities make a big contribution to communities throughout the UK and I’m so proud that Colchester is home to Lepra

“I believe Lepra has put Colchester on the map with the incredible work they do all around the globe.

“Through my work in the European Parliament, I hear countless examples of so many tragic deaths that could have been prevented and I am so proud that there are people, right here in the heart of Essex, doing something to prevent that."