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Four hostages held by Colombian left-wing Farc rebels have been released, Red Cross officials say.

The hostages were handed over to a delegation sent from Venezuela to secure their release, in a deal brokered by President Hugo Chavez.

A Red Cross spokeswoman said they were fit to travel, despite reports that some were in poor health.

The four ex-members of Colombia's congress are among some 40 high-profile hostages held for years by the Farc.

Last month, two women were freed as part of a deal, raising hopes of more hostage releases.

In a statement quoted by local media after the latest release, the Farc thanked Mr Chavez for his efforts.

Pressure for concessions

The rebels have long wanted to exchange their high-profile hostages for hundreds of jailed guerrillas.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has maintained a firm stance against the Farc, which is regarded as a terrorist group by the US and the European Union.

The BBC's Jeremy McDermott in Medellin, Colombia, says that with the release, the pressure on Mr Uribe to make concessions to the Farc will increase.

BBC NEWS | Americas | Colombian hostages freed by Farc