Most children in orphanages in developing countries are there because their parents cannot afford to look after them, Save the Children has revealed.

In central and eastern Europe the percentage of those with at least one parent alive is 98%, with 94% in Indonesia, 90% in Ghana, 88% in Liberia and 80% in Sri Lanka.

According to UN figures 8 million children live in orphanages and other institutions, with a greater likelihood of suffering stunted growth, behavioural problems, a lower IQ, and higher risk of abuse if disabled, than those at home or with foster parents.