Bono is to be guest editor of the UK's most influential political radio programme later this month.

He will take over BBC Radio's 'Today' programme for one morning after Christmas ­ one of five high-profile figures offered the chance to set the news agenda.

The Duchess of York, film director Anthony Minghella, businessman Sir Richard Branson and philosopher Baroness Onora O'Neill will also guest as editors for one day each from 27-31 December.

"I have to confess, I'm not a natural editor," Bono said. "I want to start the countdown to next year, when Britain can change the world for the poorest people on the planet."

In 2005 the UK takes the presidency of both the European Union and also the powerful G8 group of nations ­ UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that tackling poverty in Africa is at the top of his agenda.

In September Bono addressed the Labour Party Conference in the UK, underlining his conviction that Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown had an opportunity to make history in 2005.

Speaking to Jonathan Ross on BBC TV last week, Bono said that he wanted to "spend the rest of my life" trying to eradicate extreme poverty.

More on DATA, the agency Bono works with to campaign against global poverty, here.