Six senior African diplomats have swung their support behind a £275,000 CMS campaign to end modern slavery.

High commissioners and senior diplomats from countries including Nigeria and Kenya joined Lords and MPs at Westminster in February to watch a reading of "African Snow".

Actors from Riding Lights Theatre Company performed excerpts from the play, which was commissioned by CMS.

His Excellency Christopher Kolade, the Nigerian High Commissioner, urged the 160 invited guests at the reading to give financial backing to a tour of the play starting in 2006.

"Slavery is a disease that hasn't left us. It is not possible that we will rid the world of slavery unless we who are opposed to it make some sacrifices," said Mr Kolade.