Corrie star Ben Price reveals his worst Christmas present as he backs CAFOD's charity gift scheme

Ben Price meets Paul Loukae in Uganda

Coronation Street actor Ben Price has revealed the worst Christmas present he ever received in a bid to encourage shoppers to buy gifts for people living in poverty overseas, through Catholic aid agency CAFOD.

Ben, who plays Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap, disclosed: "Every year I have visions of unwrapping another A4 refill pad, reduced to clear because it only had one hole punched into it - given to me by a very well-meaning and thoughtful relative - which was by far the worst Christmas present I've ever received."

The actor, who is an ambassador for CAFOD, is championing the charity's ethical Christmas World Gifts range - money raised from which goes to families living in poverty in countries such as Guatemala, Uganda and Bangladesh.

Since its introduction in 2004, World Gifts has become a festive favourite with many of the charity's supporters, including Ben who has a number of the unique presents on his shopping list this year.

He said: "This Christmas I've decided to buy a donkey, a pig and a chicken for my wife and kids. Don't worry, I'm not planning a new career as a farmer - these are presents I'm buying on behalf of my loved ones for families living in poverty overseas through CAFOD's World Gifts scheme".

Regular World Gifts bestsellers such as cows, goats and vegetable gardens are joined this year by a number of interesting new gifts including food for a family and winter survival kits, and are guaranteed to raise a smile on Christmas day.

Ben, who saw World Gifts in action during a trip to Uganda, said: "When you buy a World Gift, you know it will be loved. I witnessed this in Uganda where I met people who had received CAFOD's bee-keeping World Gifts starter kits. They were able to sell the honey they harvested at market to earn a living.

"World Gifts make a serious difference to the lives of communities living in extreme poverty. That's money well spent on presents that won't be thrown in the bin or forgotten by New Year."

The range starts from as little as £4 with the smaller World Gifts such as pairs of pigeons and happy queen bees making the perfect stocking fillers or Secret Santa presents. With E-gift certificates available to download right up to Christmas Day, World Gifts are a last-minute shopper's dream.

The recipient of a World Gift is presented with a certificate giving details of the gift and explaining how the donation made on their behalf will be used to fund CAFOD's work in developing countries.

To view the full range of gifts visit: http://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/ or call 0808 14 000 14 to order a catalogue.