A DRIVE to provide clean water for some of the world's poorest people is being launched in Manchester.

Half of the world's population suffer from water-borne diseases - and 6,000 people die every day from drinking unsafe water.

The Rotary Club of Manchester is stepping in to raise funds to send water purification devices - called Lifestraws - to areas where they are most needed around the world.

Lifestraws are portable devices that can purify enough water for a child for a whole year. And a new family model of the device can provide six people with enough drinkable water for two years.

The club decided to raise funds for Lifestraws after being approached by Rotarian David Dutson, who travels around the country from his south Wales home in a bid to persuade others to support the appeal.

Retired policeman David first learned about the devices, which cost just £3, four years ago.

David said: "We have the best water in the world and take it for granted.

"But every 15 seconds a child dies because of ingestion of dirty water - 6,000 a day.

"I now live most of my life travelling the country talking to Rotary and church groups about this.

"You can live for four weeks without food, but wouldn't last four days without water. Water is the most important thing."

The Rotary Club of Manchester is launching its own fund-raising for Lifestraws on October 16, with an event they are calling The Element. Fundraising chairman Philip Webb hopes the event will raise between £50,000 and £150,000 - which could fund as many as 50,000 Lifestraws.

He said: "Lifestraws are an incredible invention which is able to provide clean water for people who don't have it for a whole year. They are incredible."