The First Minister has launched a recruitment drive to boost the number of Scots working in childcare and early years education.

The Scottish Government hopes to recruit up to 11,000 people into the profession by 2020 in a bid to deliver their promise of 30 hours of free childcare each week.

Education has been routinely listed by Nicola Sturgeon as her priority in government but the devolved administration has been criticised for Scotland's tumbling position in international league tables.

The Scottish Government estimates the expansion of free childcare could save families more than £4500.

Speaking on a visit to Tower View Nusery in Glasgow, Sturgeon said: "Working in this profession is hugely rewarding as it makes a real difference to children's lives, developing their skills and preparing them for school.

"As part of our efforts to increase the availability of nursery education and childcare we also want to improve the quality of education and care with more professional development opportunities.

"We want more people to consider a career in nursery education and childcare and this campaign will highlight the range of jobs and opportunities available."

As part of the recruitment drive, the Scottish Government will run an advertising campaign to encourage people to think about joining the profession.

The advert will run on TV and social media sites such as Snapchat to target those of school leaving age.

Rachel Allan a nursery practitioner at Heriothill Nursery, Edinburgh, who features in the campaign said: "Getting to see the children develop and grow, and helping them understand different things, is really rewarding.

"To someone considering a job in early learning and childcare, I'd say if they love spending time with children, they should go for it, whether it's through college, an apprenticeship, or learning on the job as I have done."