Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged Scots to help victims of the Pakistan floods as she prepared to take part in fundraising events.

Ms Sturgeon is to run the 10K at the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow this weekend to raise money for the victims of the disaster.

She is also opening up her constituency office to collect aid donations, which will then be flown out to the flood-ravaged country.

The Glasgow Govan MSP said: "The current flood disaster in Pakistan has had a catastrophic effect on a country that was already facing multiple challenges.

"With over 1,600 dead and around 20 million displaced, this is a humanitarian disaster on a gargantuan scale.

"During the tsunami and Haiti earthquake, Scots were extremely generous in helping those who were in dire need. They have once again taken up the challenge and donated hundred of thousands to aid agencies in Scotland.

"I would urge them to continue donating what they can and together we can help rebuild lives in Pakistan."

Ms Sturgeon is calling on people to donate items such as new clothing and shoes, bottles of water, dried milk, dried foods such as biscuits and dates, tents, medical kits and antiseptic soap.

These can be left at her office in Paisley Road West, Glasgow, before being flown to Pakistan by Pakistan International Air, who are transporting boxes of aid for free.