Thousands of people forced from their homes by the war in Sudan have been living in schools that are not fit for purpose, a regional governor has told BBC News.

Months-long clashes between the Sudanese army and a powerful paramilitary group have forced 40,000 families to flee to North Darfur, Nimr Abdel, who oversees the state, said.

Since the conflict began in April, Darfur has seen some of the worst fighting in the country.

Mr Abdel told the BBC's Sudan Lifeline radio service: "Many of the displaced people now dwell inside schools, which are not proper enough to stay in. These schools are not qualified to be shelter centres, as services are not available there.

"The services that were offered in these schools, such as bathrooms, were provided specifically for students, and their number was not proportional to the huge numbers of the displaced people."

If the fighting continues, the authorities will look into producing purpose-built camps.