The Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for the East Africa famine crisis has raised £9m since the appeal launch on Friday.

The appeal kicked off with a television slot, featuring celebrities, and supported by press and radio adverts, including in the News of the World’s final issue on Sunday.

More than 10 million people are believed to be affected by the crisis, which has hit Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia and there is widespread concern about a shortfall in international aid going to the region.

Chief executive of the DEC Brendan Gormley said, “We are already seeing vulnerable people dying, with millions at risk. We need to act fast to prevent more lives being lost. The UK public have been remarkably generous, despite many having to tighten their belts here in the UK.

“We are determined, with the public’s support, to prevent this crisis from spiralling out of control. I would urge people to keep giving, to help us save more lives.”