Charity Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Mercy Corps, a charity known for its work in disaster zones and some of the world's poorest countries, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Since 1979 the charity has provided £500m of help to 94 countries. With its European headquarters in Edinburgh, Mercy Corps has sent volunteers and aid to countries such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Kosovo.

In addition, the charity responded when New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and sent help after the Asian tsunami.

Executive director Mervyn Lee said: "It is a great honour for Mercy Corps to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

"As a charity we aim to help people all over the world to realise their full potential when faced with the toughest of challenges.

"It is wonderful that this nomination for the world's premier award for humanitarian work has recognised the impact of the work Mercy Corps carries out."

Mercy Corps has been nominated for the prestigious prize by North American Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who is a long-standing supporter of the organisation's works.