A court in Malawi has ruled that Madonna can adopt David Banda, a child whom she first met at an orphanage in the country 18-months ago.

Alan Chinula, the singer’s lawyer said that Madonna was “very happy with what the judge has ruled.”

“It is a positive and beautiful judgment that will have an impact on Malawi's adoption laws," he told Reuters.

Until today's hearing, the pop star had only been granted temporary custody of the child.

Madonna and her husband, Guy Ritchie, were widely criticised when they began adoption proceedings for the child in 2006.

Many children’s rights organisations accused the couple of fast-tracking the usually stringent African adoption system.

Earlier this week, director Michael Moore said he was “outraged” by the media’s treatment of Madonna over the adoption.

(by Jason Gregory)