AMNESTY supporters from Sidmouth and East Devon braved ice and snow to send out a message of support to those in peril around the world.

AMNESTY supporters from Sidmouth and East Devon braved ice and snow to send out a message of support to those in peril around the world.

The local branch of Amnesty International held a well-attended Christmas meeting at Twyford House on Thursday, December 2, that saw 291 greetings cards written on the night.

Regular members from Branscombe, Ottery St Mary, Colyton, Budleigh Salterton and Honiton were unable to reach Sidmouth due to the snow so wrote cards at home.

The Christmas Card Campaign is a UK wide Amnesty project. Cards are sent to people imprisoned or oppressed unjustly for their political or religious views.

Many are badly treated and refused medical help despite serious illness or injury.

“Amnesty International knows the cards they receive help lift their spirits, and often result in better treatment and prison conditions when the prison staff realise the outside world is aware of their situation, and may even lead to early release,” said group member Barbara Dustan-Smith. Mulled wine and mince pies made the Sidmout event a convivial occasion, she added.

An Amnesty street collection will take place in Sidmouth tomorrow.