(BBC News) French President Francois Hollande's Socialists and their allies look set to emerge with a majority after first round voting in parliamentary elections, final results show.

Left-wing and green parties won more than 46% of the vote compared with 34% for the centre-right UMP party, interior ministry figures showed.

The outcome of the polls is expected to determine the extent and pace of reform under the newly elected French leader.

Run-offs are to be held next week.

The turnout nationwide was a modest 57%.