The Financial Times’ 2008-9 seasonal charity appeal to readers has raised a total of £167,389 for WaterAid, which helps some of the world’s poorest people gain access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Barbara Frost, chief executive of WaterAid, said: “This money will make a tremendous difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people, especially when you consider that our work ... costs on average just £15 a head. We are hugely grateful for the FT’s support and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to readers and staff.”