Centrist Emmanuel Macron has gone through to the second round of the French election, where he will face far-right leader Marine Le Pen, according to BBC. 

Mr Macron, a former banker, is seen as a political newcomer - and ran without the backing of an established party.

After topping Sunday's vote, he is now favourite to win the run-off on 7 May.

It is the first time in six decades that neither of France's main left-wing or right-wing parties has had a candidate in the second round.

Mr Macron won 23.8% of votes in the first round, while Ms Le Pen took 21.5%.

The turnout was high, at almost 79%.

The nearest challengers, centre-right François Fillon and hard-left Jean-Luc Mélenchon, fell behind with just over 19% each.