A charity that helps to find missing people and support their families has received a "vital" funding boost from the Scottish Government.

Missing People has been awarded an additional £46,000, bringing the total support provided to the charity from the devolved administration over the last two years to £90,000.

The money will be spent solely in Scotland.

Around 30,000 people are reported missing each year in Scotland. Nearly two-thirds of missing person incidents involve a child or a young person.

The charity says the cash will maintain its free, 24/7 helpline service.

Susannah Drury, director of services and advocacy at the charity, said: "We are delighted that the Scottish Government has renewed its commitment to supporting vulnerable missing children and young people with this funding.

"By building key partnerships with Police Scotland, other charities and local councils, the charity is committed to finding and supporting more missing children and young people across Scotland.

"When a child goes missing it is nearly always a sign that something is very wrong."

She added: "These funds from the Scottish Government will help ensure that we can be here for free, 24/7 without judgment, at the end of the phone when a missing child needs to talk through their options or get help to stay safe."

Annabelle Ewing, minister for community safety and legal affairs, said: "There are many reasons why people go missing and we know they can be particularly vulnerable when missing, potentially finding themselves in situations of real risk.

"We want to improve access to the support available for those who go missing in Scotland which is why we are supporting Missing People to expand on their vital helpline.

"It is particularly important that our children and young people who go missing or are at risk of going missing know how to find the help they need to ensure safety and address the reasons behind why they went or want to go missing."

She added: "When someone goes missing it is also a terrible experience for their loved ones and Missing People also provides much-needed support to the families of those who are missing."

The Scottish Government is currently drafting a national missing persons framework with Police Scotland, councils and charities to help deal with the trauma caused by missing person incidents.