A South Ayrshire officer was deployed to Malawi as part of a Scottish Government initiative to support developing countries.

Sergeant Alex Beagrie spent two weeks in south east Africa along with three Police Scotland colleagues.

Their stay supported the Malawian government's food insecurity programme and reviewed their child protection and gender-based violence measures.

The aim was to analyse and review all gender-based Violence and child protection measures in the country, share expertise and promote best practice from Scotland, and also take on board the culture and economic situation within the country.

Speaking about the trip, Mr Beagrie said: "It was a privilege to represent Police Scotland and to have the opportunity to review Malawi's current child protection and gender-based violence practices and policies in such an amazing country.

"We really had our eyes opened - not just to the poverty within the country but also the resolve and friendliness of the people there.

"It was an amazing experience to be asked to speak at Ntenje's community engagement meeting. The whole village burst into song to thank us for attending."

He added: "We were also interviewed for two national radio stations to talk candidly about the differences in Scottish and Malawian culture.

"These are memories which will live with me forever."