SNP MEP Alyn Smith has received a standing ovation in the European Parliament after asking the European Union to "not let Scotland down".

Smith, who has been an MEP for 12 years, held aloft a map of the EU Referendum result to show Scotland wanted to stay part of the European Union.

He said: "I represent Scotland in this House and where I am proudly Scottish, I am also proudly European.

"I want my country to be internationalist, co-operative, ecological, fair, European and the people of Scotland - along with the people of Northern Ireland and the people of London and lots and lots of people in Wales and England also - voted to remain within our family of nations.

"I demand that status, pays européene, be respected. Colleagues, there is a lot to be negotiated. We will need cool heads and warm hearts but please remember this: Scotland did not let you down.

"Please, I beg you, do not let Scotland down."

MEPs from all sides of the parliament gave the SNP MEP a standing ovation following his remarks.

Helga Stevens MEP, who represents the New Flemish Alliance party which wants Flemish independence from Belgium, said "of course we will support Scotland" and Alyn's speech did not "fall on deaf ears".

Polish MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, who served as vice-president of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2007, tweeted a photo of the ovation from inside the chamber.

German Green MEP Jan Philipp Albrecht called the ovation a "a rare moment".

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she will attempt to open "immediate discussions" with the European Union institutions and member states.

Later on Tuesday, Sturgeon will move a motion before the Scottish Parliament which will ask MSPs to give the Scottish Government a "mandate" to negotiate.