A NEW branch of Amnesty International has been launched in Andover.

There have been three meetings already and the group is beginning to work out a plan of campaign.

Amnesty International (AI) began when British lawyer Peter Benenson wrote an article called The Forgotten Prisoners in The Observer in May 1961.

Today AI has subscribers and regular donors in more than 140 countries and territories and more than a million members worldwide.

Mr Richard Laversuch, chairman of the Andover branch, said: "For nearly 43 years Amnesty International has been attempting to reduce, and ultimately to end, persecution of human beings because of their beliefs."

He says there is now an opportunity for the people of Andover to get involved, adding to well established groups in Salisbury and Basingstoke.

Plans are afoot for a group letter-writing session - at a venue to be announced - and there will be another meeting of the group at The Lardi Cake pub in Adelaide Road, Andover, when possible future activities will be discussed, including a street collection and a music event.

For more information call Mr Laversuch on 01264 356321 or email him at richard.laver such@tesco.net