From Bangladesh to Banbridge, Mali to Magherafelt, International charity WaterAid is marking World Water Day (22nd March) with a series of events and activities across the globe to call for clean water to flow across the globe - so no one is thirsty and has basic sanitation.

Working in 17 countries throughout the world, including Ethiopia, India and Uganda, WaterAid’s mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

WaterAid Northern Ireland, supported by Northern Ireland Water, is encouraging the people of Northern Ireland to get into the spirit of World Water Week and organise a fundraising event to help end water poverty.

Frank Stewart, Ballymoney WaterAid Hon Secretary for Northern Ireland, and Infrastructure Manager for Northern Ireland Water said: “Here in Northern Ireland water is so readily available and of such high quality that it’s difficult for us to fully understand the problem facing so many others around the world.

"Access to water is a basic need and a fundamental human right, yet over a billion people in the world still live without safe, clean water to drink. The diseases that result kill almost four children every minute, that’s 5000 a day. The statistics are shocking, but despite the clear need, few countries treat water as a political priority.

“This year we’re asking the people of Northern Ireland to pull out all the stops and organise an event to help end water poverty.

"Have ‘A Blue Day’ and charge employees to wear something blue, organise a table quiz or hold a lunch in honour of the cause. All ideas are welcome," he urged.

(BMcC)