HALTON'S mayor and mayoress have pledged their support to the people in trouble-torn East Timor in their quest for independence.

When Bob and Sheelah Gilligan led the council's delegation to its twin town of Leiria in Portugal, the crisis in the former Portuguese colony of East Timor was at the forefront of the minds of local people.

As a result, the civic party promised that, on their return to Halton, they would show their support for the cause.

Since then, the couple have been wearing special green and white ribbons for their engagements.

Cllr Gilligan said: "It is something that is very close to the hearts of our twinning partners because they have long historical connections, so we promised them we would do all we could to support their cause.

"This is an opportunity to demonstrate that our aim in developing twinning links is to help each other."

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