WORCESTER people are being urged to back a £3 million appeal to help people suffering in Darfur and Chad.

In 2004, more than one million people in Darfur were at risk from the on-going conflict. Now more than 200,000 people are believed to have died and at least two million people have been forced to flee their homes.

A further one million people living in the surrounding towns and villages are affected by their arrival with more people needing access to water, healthcare and schooling.

The Catholic aid agency CAFOD has launched an appeal for vital aid.

Peter Bailes, CAFOD volunteer for the Worcester area, said: "With support from Worcester supporters, CAFOD has been able to provide shelter, safe water and sanitation and health clinics for the vulnerable women, children and men who crowd into sprawling make-shift camps as well as special feeding centres for malnourished children. The Birmingham Diocese alone has raised £402, 981.

"We just can't walk away from the people we have been supporting for the last three years. They are still unable to return to their homes, the humanitarian conditions are dire for hundreds of thousands of homeless people.

"We need to carry on the vital work. Our support is crucial for the well-being and survival of the victims of this conflict.

"More money is now urgently needed to make sure people in both Darfur and Chad have basic necessities such as clean water and shelter."

People in Worcester can make donations to the CAFOD Darfur and Chad Emergency Appeal through their local parish church, through the CAFOD website - www.cafod. org.uk/darfurappeal or call the CAFOD donations hotline on 0500 858885.