I AM writing to ask readers to help UNICEF save the lives of children facing a food crisis in Niger.

Niger is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world and now drought and locust infestation have made 3.6 million people even more vulnerable, including 800,000 children under five.

With over 190,000 children already malnourished, and many more at risk, the circumstances are increasingly desperate.

"The situation in Niger is critical and we are in a race against time to save their lives," said Aboudou Karimou Adijibade, UNICEF Niger representative. "Children are arriving at therapeutic feeding centres barely clinging to their lives. Thousands more children need life-saving assistance now, and with appropriate resources, we will be able to save lives."

Funds raised will enable UNICEF to provide therapeutic and supplementary food for malnourished children, as well as essential drugs, vaccines, mosquito nets, vitamin A, iron and folic acid supplements, all critical because malnourished children are particularly susceptible to disease.

Just £57 will save the life of a malnourished child. To make a donation you can send a cheque to Children of Niger Emergency Appeal, UNICEF, PO Box 254, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3WT or visit www.unicef.org.uk

ANDREA LOCK, Regional Fundraising Manager, North West.