Mitchell: Britain will lead the way in famine crisis

The United Nations has declared a famine in two areas of southern Somalia as the region suffers the worst drought in more than half a century.

The UK Secretary of State for International Development, Andrew Mitchell, said that as the famine develops, Britain will lead the way in saving the lives of the two million people it supports.

"Britain will ensure that nutrition gets through to young children and mothers with babies who are most at risk from the disaster", he said.

Details of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) East Africa Crisis Appeal can be found at DEC.org.uk, external or call 0370 60 60 900 to donate.