Barack Obama has endorsed French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron in a video released by the frontrunner's camp.

The former US president said in a 70-second message: "The French election is very important to the future of France and the values that we care so much about.

"[Mr Macron] has stood up for liberal values. He put forward a vision for the important role that France plays in Europe and around the world.

"He appeals to people's hopes, and not their fears. I know that you face many challenges and I want all of my friends in France to know how much I am rooting for your success."

In the final TV debate before Sunday's second-round ballot, Mr Macron labelled his opponent, the National Front's Marine Le Pen, the "high priestess of fear".

In turn she called him a "darling of the system" and said he was "complacent" on extremism.

Mr Macron has accused the far-right Ms Le Pen of spreading lies by suggesting he had an undisclosed offshore fund.