GRIEVING relatives of a heroic Inverclyde police officer who died in the Clutha helicopter tragedy will receive a share of a multi-million-pound compensation fund.

PC Kirsty Nelis — winner of a bravery award for tackling a hammer-wielding thug — was onboard a police helicopter which plummeted crashed through the roof of the Glasgow pub on 29 November last year.

The families of all 10 victims of the disaster will reportedly receive details of their settlements some time this week — with lawyers acting for them keen to secure payment before the first anniversary of the crash.

Lawyer Elaine Russell, of Irwin Mitchell solicitors, said: “Negotiations regarding the cases of our clients are at a very advanced stage and we are hopeful that all will be concluded in the very near future.

“We are determined to ensure their cases are settled fairly and they get the justice that they undoubtedly deserve.

“No amount of compensation will ever make up for the loss or injuries they suffered 12 months ago though and their legal action is about more than money.

“It is about ensuring that they gain the answers they deserve regarding what they have been through, and what is being done to ensure that a tragedy of this nature is never repeated.

“It is vital that lessons are learned which will ensure that helicopter safety and flight safety in general improves.” PC Nelis — who lived in Inverkip — was one of four officers who died in the line of duty during last year and whose names have been added to the Scottish Police Memorial at Tulliallan Police College.

She was married to Mark Nelis, a serving police officer in Greenock, and had previously received a commendation for her bravery in the face of an armed thug.

PC Nelis also helped rescue a drowning woman during her time as a young officer serving Inverclyde.

Bond Air Services, the company which operated the doomed EC135 T2 Eurocopter, announced in January that it would pay compensation to the victims’ families.

The company said it was continuing to work towards advancing the monetary settlements.