Farah plea over child malnutrition

Newly-crowned double Olympic champion Mo Farah has said that the issue of child hunger had "touched his heart", as he urged political leaders to tackle malnutrition in the poorest parts of the world.

The Somalia-born athlete joined international politicians and sporting greats Pele and Haile Gebrselassie at a "hunger summit" in Downing Street.

Prime Minister David Cameron hopes to secure sufficient commitments from leaders and multinational firms to help prevent 25 million children under five suffering stunted growth by the time of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Farah, who has set up his own charity to raise money to help the victims of the severe drought in the Horn of Africa, arrived at Number 10 to cheers after his achievements in winning both the 10,000m and 5,000m.

Speaking at the start of the summit, Farah said: "I'm lucky to have set up a new life here, and growing up here, after being in Somalia as a little boy. But there are kids out there facing hunger and starvation and we've got to do something about it. There are kids out there who need our help. It really touches my heart."

Farah gave a thumbs up as he arrived at Number 10 before performing the "mobot" - the celebration he displayed after winning both London gold medals.

He later said: "Winning my second gold last night was a dream come true, but I'm here today for perhaps the most important race of all, the race to tackle hunger and malnutrition around the world.

"Last year I visited Somalia during the famine. It was shocking to see people in the country where I was born simply not having enough food to eat. My wife and I came back from Somalia determined to do what we can to help people there rebuild their lives.

"The London Olympics have been an incredible two weeks. And now we have an opportunity to make the legacy of these Olympics one that will inspire generations at home and also one that could save the lives of millions of children, and give them the chance to thrive and to fulfil their potential."

Britain has promised a £120 million investment in drought-resistant crop research, help for schemes such as a text message hunger alert system in Kenya and pressure on multinational firms to play their part.