OSCAR-WINNING actress Helen Mirren who has a UK base in Wapping has given her support to Oxfam s emergency appeal to raise �9.5 million for the 23 million people affected by drought in East Africa. Dame Helen who has previously travelled to Uganda wit

OSCAR-WINNING actress Helen Mirren who has a UK base in Wapping has given her support to Oxfam's emergency appeal to raise �9.5 million for the 23 million people affected by drought in East Africa.

Dame Helen who has previously travelled to Uganda with Oxfam, said: "I visited Uganda just six years ago, and I saw then just how precious life is. It horrifies me that the people I met then are being caught up in this new catastrophe.

" I have seen how generous the British public can be, and how their generosity can make a huge difference to families in Africa struggling against the odds. We can turn things around and help these families - but we need to act now, before it is too late. Five pounds could support a family to get the food, cooking oil, and soap they need to survive for five days. It can bring a family back from the brink."

People can donate to the appeal by visiting www.oxfam.org.uk, at Oxfam shops or on 0300 200 1999.