AN epic yoga marathon has raised £5,000 for a Pershore-based international charity.

Thirty-five people took part in the eight-hour challenge in support of Action on Poverty, which works to transform the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Africa and South Asia.

The event took place at the Bikram Yoga London centre in Canary Wharf on Saturday, April 11.

Andrew Johnston, chief executive of the charity, said: “£50 provides the resource to enable someone who has been through war or disaster to be supported in gaining a sustainable income through Action on Poverty.

“We are delighted that thanks to the brilliant efforts by members of Bikram Yoga London and their friends over 100 people will be helped out of poverty.

“Whether in Kampala or Canary Wharf people know how important a viable and sustainable livelihood is.”

Conny Chitnis, a director of Bikram Yoga London, added: “It is a pleasure to engage with a small, dynamic charity like Action on Poverty who we know are doing amazing work, enabling people to access livelihoods for an investment of just £50 per person.

“We are delighted to be able to support the work of Action on Poverty especially at this time and we, along with a number of our clients who are key to this effort, aim to raise enough money to be able to transform the lives of at least 100 people through the work of Action on Poverty.”

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/BikramYogaLondon

Action on Poverty is also planning events at AsparaFest in Evesham and PlumFest in Pershore.

To find out more visit aptuk.org.uk