A £10 million aid package to help some of the poorest people in Malawi survive a looming crisis has been welcomed by Scottish Secretary David Mundell.

The UK Government is providing the cash in response to an international appeal for emergency aid.

The African nation suffers from frequent food shortages, but this year almost one in five people are expected to suffer a lack of food after crops were 30% down from 2014.

It is feared as many as 2.8 million people could be left without food this year after floods, droughts and other factors left food stocks dwindling and pushed up prices.

Mr Mundell said: "We can be proud of the long-standing links between Scotland and Malawi, and of the work undertaken in communities across our country to support Malawi's development.

"As Malawi faces a potential food crisis and deals with the effects of floods and droughts, now more than ever our support is needed, that is why this substantial package of UK Government support is welcome news."

UK International Development Minister Grant Shapps stated: "Malawi is facing its worst food crisis in more than a decade.

"Not only do floods and droughts cause immediate suffering for millions of the world's poorest people, they also hold back a country's development.

"As well as this new urgent humanitarian assistance, support from the UK is helping Malawi to break the devastating cycle of annual food crises.

"Having visited Malawi in June, I believe it is right that we continue to stand by the country in its time of need. By reducing food insecurity we can help the people of Malawi to lift themselves out of poverty."