The Archbishop of Canterbury has purchased 50 AIDS crosses to pass out to various church leaders when they come to visit Lambeth Palace, Church Times has reported.

The profit from the crosses, made in Uruguay, will be used to help those with HIV/AIDS by supporting a hostel.

Dr Williams placed the order for the crosses after his staff received some of the crosses for evaluation as suitable gifts.

As well as the 50 initial crosses, the Church of England head has asked for a regular monthly supply to be shipped to Lambeth Palace, Nick Roberts, the acting secretary of the Friends of Uruguay, has said.

A spokesman for Dr Williams has commented, "The Archbishop is very pleased to be able to do this."

A group from the 'Friends of Uruguay' visited Argentina and Uruguay last week to collect the crosses from San Esteban.