George Clooney has used his new U.N Messenger of Peace status to appeal to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown over the kidnapping of a British businessman in the Middle East.

The Oceans Thirteen star – who is attempting to promote peace talks in Sudan's troubled Darfur region - penned a letter asking Brown to use his influence to help find 26-year-old Alsadig Abdullah, who has been missing inside the United Arab Emirates for four months.

In his letter, Clooney refers to Brown's own demands for a solution to the refugee crisis, writing: "Whatever transpires it is clearly of interest to all of us with an interest in Darfur and the future of Sudan to facilitate anything that might further peace and stability in that country.

"Our petitions and interventions to the authorities in the UAE will be less effective than even informal ones from you."

A spokesperson at Brown's official residence said, "The prime minister has received the letter. He will get back to George Clooney as soon as possible."