The Skipton Building Society is making it possible for people wanting to donate money to support the estimated 16m people in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan who urgently need food, water and medical treatment.

People can now donate money in any of the Society’s branches across the UK and by calling the Society’s Skipton Direct team.

The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an emergency appeal to raise money for the food crisis which is gripping East Africa – with people, including children, facing unimaginable hardship.

To make it easier for people to send much needed funds to this emergency appeal, people can donate their money over the counter at any Skipton branch or can call Skipton Direct on 0345 850 1722.

Stacey Stothard, senior corporate communications manager at the Skipton, said: “The images in the press of this devastating crisis are simply awful. In areas up and down the country people want to help. And we want to play our part by making it a bit easier for anyone wishing to support the crisis appeal.

“With a network of over 100 branches, simply go to your nearest Skipton Building Society and you can donate money to the East Africa Crisis Appeal over the counter or call our Skipton Direct team on 0345 850 1722.”

For more information or to find your nearest Skipton Building Society branch, visit skipton.co.uk/branches.