A Hereford charity is working in appalling conditions to bring much-needed aid relief to the drought-stricken African country of Niger.

The Christian Broadcasting Network, based in Wye Street, has sent out a humanitarian assistance team to distribute 40 million tonnes of rice and millet to some of the most remote villages of the West African country

David Darg, who is leading the Operation Blessing mission, said the team has had to deal with 35-degree heat, sub-Saharan dust and bumpy dirt tracks to reach the affected communities.

The Hereford team landed in the capital city of Niamey early last week before making a trip out to Bani-Bangou, near the border with Mali.

Peter Darg, who is in constant contact with the team from the Hereford charity's headquarters, described some of the problems facing the two million starving people in Niger.

"People are known to be walking to Bani-Bangou from miles around, carrying hungry children and desperately searching for anything to eat," he said.

"Many of the hungry have been surviving by eating grass for the past several weeks."

The charity has a special fund for donations to the Niger appeal. Cheques can be made out to Operation Blessing and should be sent to PO Box 109, Hereford, HR4 9XR. Credit and debit card donations can be made by calling 01432 265690.

Meanwhile, another county company is playing its part to help the starving in the landlocked country.

Hereford-based allpay.net has pledged £1,000 towards the Niger relief effort and is organising its own appeal. Donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee Niger Crisis Appeal are being co-ordinated by allpay.net Limited at Whitestone Business Park, Hereford, HR1 3SE.