CHURCHES across the diocese have raised £40,000 for victims of famine in one of the world’s poorest nations.

The Diocese of Salisbury’s Lent Appeal, launched at the start of March by the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, has raised just shy of £40k so far for the thousands facing starvation in the wake of the South Sudan famine.

After years on instability in the country's food supply caused by war and drought, at least 100,000 South Sudanese are today starving, with a further million at severe risk of famine and more than three million displaced.

It is one of four countries across the world currently facing desperate food shortages where UK aid agencies are working to raise money.

The Salisbury Lent appeal will support the Disaster Emergency Committee’s work through Christian Aid.

Revd Nicholas Holtam said: "We set a target of £50,000 during the period of Lent, which ends on Easter Day, 16 April. With less than two weeks to go, I am delighted to see we have reached 80 per cent of that figure. With a final effort, we can raise this vital amount.

"The church has supported the appeal generously, £30,000 has already been transferred to Christian Aid and is supporting life-saving work on the ground."

The Diocese of Salisbury has had a partnership in the region for more than forty years, with many parishioners from throughout Dorset and Wiltshire having visited and hosted people from South Sudan and Sudan over the years.

"Money goes a long way in South Sudan. £50,000 will feed 2,500 starving children for a month, but in our longstanding partnership we also need to build resilience for the future."

People can donate via the the Salisbury Anglican website, by texting 'SSUD17 £10' to 70070 to make a £10 donation, or by cheque payable to Salisbury DBF SSA and send it to South Sudan Appeal, Church House, Crane Street, Salisbury, SP1 2QB.