THE city of Glasgow and its ­residents are rallying around to support the victims' families and survivors of the Clutha tragedy.

The council said it would provide charitable funds for anyone facing hardship as a result of Friday's helicopter crash, while individuals and ­businesses from across the city offered their services to those affected.

A charity concert to raise funds for the victims and families of those affected will take place in Glasgow early next year after a Twitter drive by actor Colin McCredie, known for his role as DC Stuart Fraser in the STV drama Taggart.

His idea has already been backed by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; Judy Murray, the mother of tennis champion Andy Murray; Still Game star Greg Hemphill, and actors and musicians Eddi Reader, Gavin Mitchell, Jane McCarry, Sanjeev Kohli, Forbes Masson and Eugene Kelly.

Glasgow City Council pledged to find a venue for the event.

Businesses also stepped forward, with Glasgow Taxis Ltd. offering free transport to victims' relatives who may be struggling to visit them in hospital. Horizon Direct, a popular travel company in Glasgow, is offering free accommodation for those who live outside of Glasgow and have relatives involved in the tragedy.

The local authority is already in contact with some of those affected by the incident and said it would announce further details of how to access help. It will also publish information on how members of the public can donate to the charitable funds.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "Those who are already suffering physically and emotionally need time to recover and to grieve. Money will be very far from their thoughts, but Glasgow will not allow their suffering to be compounded by financial plight in their hour of need.

"There will be people who are unable to work, or who face a lengthy road to recovery. Families face uncertain times ahead without loved ones.

"We can and will help them in the days, weeks and months ahead - and we know many of our fellow Glaswegians will also want to lend their support."

In the immediate aftermath of the crash people queued up to give blood, with Mrs Sturgeon later describing the response from members of the public as "marvellous".

A spokesman from Glasgow Taxis Ltd said its drivers were "keen to make a small gesture of support". He said: "It is at times like this that Glasgow really pulls together.

"The people of Glasgow are good to us all year round and this is our way of giving something back in return. It is heartening, although not surprising, to see so many other companies and ­individuals in the city doing similar."

"We continue to pray for all those affected and in addition we pay tribute to the emergency services and hospital staff who are providing such magnificent assistance in the most trying circumstances."

The Clutha was well known for its live music and gatherings of those interested in music, politics and writing, as well as being one of the oldest traditional pubs in the city.

Speaking about his idea for The Night for the Clutha, McCredie said: "I felt that we needed to do something. I just started talking about it on ­Twitter and it gained some ­amazing support.

"The Clutha is known for its music and the people who go there, the musicians and the poets, it just seemed the right time to get something rolling."

He has asked for help from experienced concert promoters to arrange the concert or event, and added: "People have already mentioned dates in January, perhaps Burns night, but we shall have to see."

Later on Twitter he said: "Amazing offers of support!! Twitter really is such a fantastic phenomenon."