Leading Scottish aid agencies have responded to the growing humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), by launching a major fundraising appeal and calling on Scots to make a donation to help them save lives.

Award winning Scots Actress, Daniela Nardini, has backed the appeal launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Scotland.

Donations can be made by calling 0370 60 60 900, going online to www.dec.org.uk or at any high street bank, post office, Oxfam or Save the Children shop.

More than 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes to escape the fighting in recent weeks, adding to more than one million already displaced as a result of conflict.

Agencies that make up the DEC are already delivering life-saving food, water, shelter and emergency medical supplies to those affected, but the scale of the crisis means much more is needed.

Speaking at the appeal launch in Glasgow, Daniela Nardini, said:

" Hundreds of thousands of innocent people have been caught up in the unfolding crisis in the Congo. They are homeless and vulnerable and need our help in this very difficult time.

" That is why I am backing this appeal and calling on the people of Scotland to do likewise. The situation in the DRC will be made worse by the onset of the rainy season, meaning that those made homeless are becoming ever more at risk. Already weakened by hunger and desperation they now risk falling prey to diseases such as cholera. That is why we need donations urgently. "

Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee Scotland, Mhairi Owens, of Concern Worldwide, who has previously visited the area affected by the current crisis, said:

" The people I met in North Kivu area of the DRC were generous people who have been trying to live peaceful lives and build futures for their children, just like people in Scotland. Please do what you can to help them.

" We need the Scottish public's support to raise the funds that help us make the difference on the ground. Donations made in Scotland can help save lives in the DRC. Its as simple as that."

Speaking from the DRC, Juliette Prodhan, who grew up in Glasgow, and who is Oxfam's Country Director in country, said:

" Since 1998, over five million people have died as a result of the conflict in the DRC, a number equivalent to the entire population of Scotland.

" More than 250,000 people have been displaced by the current fighting, adding to over a million who were already displaced. These people are in urgent need of safety, food, water, shelter, blankets and basic supplies such as cooking materials and medicines. Aid agencies are getting supplies to as many people in need as we can, but we urgently need funds to ensure we can help all those who most need our assistance."

Fatou Mbuyi, of the Congolese community in Scotland, added her support for the appeal saying.

" Myself and other Congolese nationals in Scotland are thinking of home and of the crisis our friends and families are swept up in. The safety and wellbeing of those who have left their homes is a major concern. Many of them have fled without any belongings and among them will be the elderly, sick and disabled.

" We welcome the launch of this appeal, and ask that everyone in Scotland gives a donation. The time to act is now, our people need your help. Your donations can help ensure that the ordinary people of the DRC survive this difficult time."