BIG-HEARTED football supporters have showed a goal-den touch by raising more than £25,000 for charity in a year.

The Celtic Supporters' Club in Laird Street was used by members throughout the year to help a whole host of good causes at home and abroad.

The club offers its function hall free of charge and it was used for the likes of race and quiz nights and a St Andrew's ceilidh.

Money went to the Celtic Foundation to help Mary's Meals and there was also a £3,000 donation to Aid For Education (Rwanda).

Jim Friel, who has been club secretary for ten years, said: "It's been an exceptional year.

"Members will come in and ask for use of the hall for a charity event.

"If people are coming in using the hall we are getting the benefit of it and we don't charge for charity nights."

The club has been supporting Aid for Education for several years, helping with the construction of a couple of classrooms, a kitchen and toilet block.

This year the cash will be used to provide a water supply.

Other charities closer to home being supported include Ardgowan Hospice, Beatson Cancer Centre, Inverclyde Royal's oncology unit, the British Heart Foundation and Calum's Cabin.

Mr Friel said: "We also hold door collections for SPUC and the RAF Association.

"Raising funds for charity goes back to the Celtic ethos when the club was formed in the east end of Glasgow by Brother Walfrid to help to feed the poor.

"There's always been that aspect of the club but it wasn't always publicised to members.

"I think if you are holding out a bucket to people then they need to know where the money is going."

Club president Tommy Dornan said: "It is exceptional in the sense of the amount of money raised but it's not exceptional because this club has been constantly collecting money for charity.

"This supporters' club was founded in 1945 and our first annual dance was held in 1946 in the Moorings Hall in Largs and we bussed everyone from Greenock down there and we raised funds for the Little Sisters.

"We've been fundraising from 1945 onwards.

"I want to say a big thank you to all the members who hold events at the club."

The club is now launching its fundraising drive for 2019 and anyone with ideas should contact the committee.

Pictured, from left, are Jim McCall vice-president. Tommy Dornan, president and Jim Friel secretary.