RADIOHEAD bassist Colin Greenwood has appealed to the public to help fund life-saving journalism in West Africa during the Ebola crisis.

Nearly 5,000 people have died from the virus after it spread from Guinea to neighbouring countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The World Health Organisation has said it is the most deadly outbreak of the disease recorded.

The Children’s Radio Foundation, of which Mr Greenwood is a patron, has a network of young reporters working on radio stations across five African countries including Liberia, the current epicentre of the disease.

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It has been helping to fight the epidemic by bringing information to communities through its partner stations.

Mr Greenwood, whose band comes from Oxfordshire, said: “The Ebola crisis is worsening daily in West Africa.

“The Children’s Radio Foundation has a unique network of young radio journalists who can play a vital role in the fight against the epidemic.

“Radio is the best way to get through to people, and we can help by giving them special Ebola health information packs designed for radio.

“These radio programmes by young people will reinforce the existing prevention initiatives put in place by Liberian communities.

“I have seen these amazing young journalists broadcasting in Africa and how strong their voices are.

“This is a simple, effective and a low-cost way to make a difference. But to do this we need your help.”

The charity said with the help of the information packs it was possible seven million listeners could be reached through its 60 projects and 1,300 reporters on the continent.

For more information, visit childrensradiofoundation.org

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