McConnell appears on Blue Peter

Jack McConnell visited Malawi in May, 2005

Scotland's first minister has appeared on children's television show Blue Peter to help promote its fundraising campaign for orphans in Malawi.

Jack McConnell's staff have collected 200 pairs of shoes for the "Shoebiz" campaign, which aims to raise funds for children orphaned by HIV and Aids.

The politician, who won a Blue Peter badge as a schoolboy, has donated a pair of his shoes to the appeal.

He was filmed for the programme at his Edinburgh residence before Christmas.

Mr McConnell's appearance on the BBC show sees him following in the footsteps of Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose interview with presenter Konnie Huq was aired in October last year.

'Big difference'

In the clip, Mr McConnell was seen handing over his brown brogues and giving Ms Huq a tour of his official residence, Bute House.

He said: "Producers of the show got in touch and said they were travelling across the United Kingdom collecting shoes for their appeal, and asked if [I] would like to be involved.

"I would urge everyone to donate a pair of unwanted shoes - their small contribution can make a big difference."

Scotland has had a 150-year relationship with Malawi and the African country is closely connected with Scots explorer David Livingstone.

The Scottish Executive launched its own Malawi Appeal Fund in June 2005 following Mr McConnell's trip to the country.