SCOTLAND'S Minister for External Affairs and International Development Humzah Yousef has paid tribute to the work of the charity Mary's Meals after a visit to Malawi.

Mr Yousef was in the African country to see for himself how the charity's porridge is prepared for children every school day. He was talked through the process before visiting Kanje Primary School where he met some of the students, volunteers and members of the community.

Afterwards, the minister said he was blown away by the work he had seen. "To see it from how the porridge is made to how it is served is amazing," he said. "The programme doesn't simply feed children but also keeps them in school, empowering communities and changing attitudes at the same time.

"My message to everyone would be support Mary's Meals generously. This is a simple project. It's simple because it's not only helping to feed children but it's helping to educate an entire generation."

The Scottish Government supports Mary's Meals through its Malawi Development Programme, but the UK Government has also promised to double every personal donation made to the charity's Feed the Future appeal, up to a total of £5million, made before the end of the year. Feed the Future also marks the beginning of a new partnership between Mary's Meals and The Herald and Evening Times.

To donate, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk or for just £3, you can provide 100 meals by texting "DBLE15 £3" to 70070. The suggested text will charge £3 plus the cost of one standard message to your phone bill or pre-paid credit.