Andrew Mitchell, MP for Sutton Coldfield and Shadow International Development Secretary, is visiting Christian Aid's eco-house at the Grand Designs Live NEC show on 6 October 2006 at 1.30pm 'Christian Aid's Grand Design eco-home is a tremendous initiative, raising awareness of undoubtedly one the most pressing issues the world will face this century,' Mr Mitchell said. 'The impact of climate change is something we simply can not afford to ignore. Christian Aid has worked with garden designer Diarmuid Gavin to design a house and garden that will raise people's awareness of the impact of climate change on some of the world's poorest communities - as well as give them eco tips for their homes and gardens back in the UK. Visitors to the display will get a feel for life in Honduras, Central America, where people are tackling deforestation and preparing for increasingly intense and frequent hurricanes and tropical storms. Bangladesh and Indonesia are spotlighted in the Asia section, which looks at the implication of rising sea levels and flooding. While in the Africa section the focus is on preparing for potential drought and food crises in Kenya and Malawi. The fourth section demonstrates how we too can be more eco-friendly here in the UK. Mr Mitchell said that he 'fully supports' Christian Aid's efforts.

'The visual and spatial effect of each of the four features of the Grand Design eco-house show the stark reality of the impact of climate change in some of the world's poorest countries,' he said. 'Climate change is a potentially life-threatening issue for all of us. Each of us has a responsibility to meet the challenges faced by climate change and I commend the efforts of Christian Aid in its creative and though-provoking approach to raising awareness of this crucial issue.' For press information please contact Charlotte Marshall on 0121 200 2283 or cmarshall@christian-aid.org or Claire Shelley on 020 7523 2419 or cshelley@christian-aid.org For more information on Christian Aid, and this project, please visit www.christianaid.org.uk/ecohouse. Tickets to Grand Designs Live, which runs 6-8 October at the NEC, Birmingham cost £16 on the day, £12 in advance and can be obtained by calling the 24-hour box office on 0870 166 0437 or by visiting www.granddesignslive.com

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