A Kent couple kidnapped by Somali pirates have issued a desperate video plea for help from the British government.

Paul and Rachel Chandler, from Tunbridge Wells, are being kept separated by their captors. The couple - who are both in their 50s - disappeared while sailing from the Seychelles towards Tanzania in October.

Speaking on a video broadcast by Sky News, Mr Chandler said: "I just want to say please to my government get me and my wife out of here."

The group holding the Chandlers want more than £4million to secure their safe return. Mr Chandler added: "We have no money, we can't pay a ransom."

In another video shown by Sky News, Mrs Chandler, who looks weak and gaunt, said she feels "lonely and desperate".

She added: "If I was with my husband I would feel a lot better."

Earlier this month, Mr Chandler managed to give a television interview to ITN in which he said his wife had told him she was "giving up". The couple fear they are going to be executed.

A video showing the Chandlers with guns pointed at them was released in November. In it, Mr Chandler urged the Government to carry out negotiations to buy their lives back.

Nick Davis, chairman of the anti-piracy organisation, the Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre, said: "They can effectively agree lump sum, agree a handover method, there would be an air drop of cash.

"Then Paul and Rachel would be given a boat to leave the beach and travel a few miles off shore and then for the British Royal Navy to pick them up and bring them home."

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the Foreign Office is working closely with the Chandler family here.

He said: "No one can fail to be touched by the heart wrenching and very worrying video that emerged yesterday.

"Obviously we continue to do everything we can on the political and diplomatic front including staying in close contact with the family who are obviously deeply concerned about the situation and so are we."

The Foreign Office has reiterated its call for the release of the Chandlers.

Speaking to KentOnline earlier this month, a spokesman said: "We are monitoring the situation very closely and are doing everything we can to help secure a release."