SLAD Make Poverty History campaigner Anne Russell condemned celebrities who imply politicians are solely responsible for Africa's problems at a meeting last week.

She hit out at campaigners like Bob Geldof for blaming governments for poverty while ignoring the public's responsibility.

Ms Russell, 56, was recalling her experiences at last month's G8 protests in Edinburgh to Stroud's Good Companions group.

"Shouting isn't enough. Even politicians have their hands tied. It's really up to us, the way we choose to live," said Ms Russell as she addressed Wednesday's meeting at the All Saints' Centre in Uplands.

Despite the reported violence in Edinburgh, Anne found the huge crowd to be good humoured, despite lengthy delays in beginning the march.

"There were police and soldiers with guns. We waved to them and they waved back at us. It was all very friendly."

In fact she spoke of a "wonderful atmosphere" with protesters of all ages rubbing shoulders.

Ms Russell - who celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary during her time in Edinburgh - illustrated her talk with slides taken on the day which showed an explosion of colourful placards alongside the ever-present symbolic white clothing of the protesters.

Speaking of the campaign's long term effects, she said: "It certainly put poverty, debt relief and climate change on the agenda."

She believes, however, that although the Government has made some progress in these areas, there is more to be done, particularly in relation to trade justice issues.

Ms Russell sees the fact that Stroud is now a Fairtrade town as a positive example of local people taking responsibility for global well-being into their own hands.