Mercy Corps, a charity known for its work in disaster zones and some of the world's poorest countries, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Since 1979 the charity has provided £500m of help to 94 countries. With its European headquarters in Edinburgh, Mercy Corps has sent volunteers and aid to countries such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Kosovo.

In addition, the charity responded when New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and sent help after the Asian tsunami.

Executive director Mervyn Lee said: "It is a great honour for Mercy Corps to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

"As a charity we aim to help people all over the world to realise their full potential when faced with the toughest of challenges.

"It is wonderful that this nomination for the world's premier award for humanitarian work has recognised the impact of the work Mercy Corps carries out."

Mercy Corps has been nominated for the prestigious prize by North American Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who is a long-standing supporter of the organisation's works.

Mr Blumenauer represents Oregon, where Mercy Corps has its American headquarters, and in August last year he travelled with the charity to see the recovery work being carried out in New Orleans.

He also worked with the charity to help address Iraq's growing humanitarian and refugee crisis.

Mr Blumenauer said: "I am privileged to nominate Mercy Corps, which consistently shows creativity and entrepreneurship in addressing the toughest problems of the developing world.
"I have seen Mercy Corps in action under incredibly difficult circumstances in the wake of the 2005 tsunami and in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

"Mercy Corps is a global leader and is more than deserving of this prestigious nomination."

There are thought to be 167 people and groups nominated for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

The five-member committee which selects the winner refused to say who is nominated but a few names became known because those making the nomination announced their choice.

This year's nominations are expected to also include former US vice president Al Gore for his campaign to draw attention to global warming, and Sail Training International, a British-based charity helping young people develop through sailing.

The winner of the Nobel Peace Price will be announced in October.