British Foreign Secretary William Hague has flown into the Libyan city of Benghazi for talks with opposition figures - the first minister to visit the rebel-held area.

He said the mission, on which he is accompanied by International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell, was designed to show British support for the Libyan people.

Among people from "across society" he is due to meet during the short visit is the chairman of the interim National Transitional Council (NTC), Abdul Jalil.

"We are here today for one principal reason - to show our support for the Libyan people and for the National Transitional Council, the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," he said.

"We will discuss the situation on the ground and look forward to next week's meeting of the Libya Contact Group in Abu Dhabi.

"Britain remains a strong and true friend of Libya. We could not and did not turn a blind eye when Gaddafi turned his forces against innocent civilians.

"For as long as Gaddafi continues to abuse his people, we will continue and intensify our efforts to stop him."

As British attack helicopters carried out their first strikes against regime targets, Mr Hague said it was important to co-ordinate military, diplomatic and development actions.

"The UK is committed to this task. Colonel Gaddafi is isolated internationally and domestically. He has lost all legitimacy, continues to abuse human rights without mercy or compunction. He must go."

Mr Mitchell announced help with mine clearance.

"We have already supported refugees on the borders, helped migrant workers to return home, and evacuated people from Misrata to protect them from the ongoing violence.

"Within Libya we have provided food and medical supplies. Today we are seeing our support in action, and hearing what else may be needed," he said.

"It is crucial to help meet immediate needs. But the future of Libya lies in the hands of the Libyan people. That is why we are here, to discuss with the NTC how they plan to bring peace, stability and economic development to their country."

In May, Prime Minister David Cameron invited Mr Jalil to establish a formal office in London following talks in Downing Street.

Britain has also boosted its presence in Benghazi, where a joint team from the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence is advising the Council on its long-term plans.

Communications equipment, bullet-proof vests and uniforms have also been provided to the civilian police authorities.

Mr Cameron said at the time that the UK had a "clear intention to work with the council to ensure Libya has a safe and stable future, free from the tyranny of the Gaddafi regime".

Mr Mitchell announced a £182,216 package to help clear mines laid during the bitter fighting which has been going on since the uprising began in February.

The money will go to the Mines Action Group to enable its experts to identify areas contaminated with the explosive devices and clear them.

Reports suggest that as many as one in ten of 4,000 injured people treated by medics in the port city of Misrata have required amputations as a result of stepping on mines.

The UK contribution will help ensure the safety of 200,000 people, including 82,500 children, in Misrata, Benghazi and other affected areas.

Officials said they remained "deeply concerned" at evidence the regime had used internationally-banned cluster bombs.