BP and GDF Suez have made an oil discovery in the North Sea off eastern Scotland that underlines the exploration potential of the area.

The oil and gas companies said a well they drilled on the find flowed at an encouraging 5,350 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock welcomed the success saying: "This discovery shows exactly what can be achieved in the North Sea if companies work together to maximise the considerable potential of remaining oil and gas reserves."