MONEY from the appeal fund set up after the helicopter crash at the Clutha Vaults has started being distributed to people affected by the tragedy.

And today it was revealed the fund has raised almost £220,000 in less than three weeks.

Ten people died when a police helicopter crashed into the popular city pub at the end of November.

The fund was established to help survivors, casualties and families of those who lost their lives.

The city council, the Lord Provost's Goodwill Fund, the Scottish Government and Scottish Power have each donated £20,000.

And £10,000 has been donated by each of Renfrewshire Council, Arnold Clark, the Hunter Foundation and the Celtic Foundation.

Tens of thousands of pounds has also flooded in from individuals in Scotland and around the world.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "The warmth and the generosity people continue to show is immense.

"On behalf of the city, my heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has donated so far and also to those who I know are organising fundraising activities in the weeks and months ahead."

The proceeds from two special film screenings of a new Christmas family film, Angels Sing, starring singer Harry Connick Jr and Country legend Willie Nelson, will be donated to the Clutha Fund.

Former Strathclyde Police and Bond Air Services pilot Kevin Lilburn, who flew helicopters similar to the machine that crashed, is behind the screenings.

He said: "A friend, Scott Rankin, is one of the executive producers of the film.

"Like almost everyone else, I was shocked and saddened by the crash and wanted to help in some way.

"When I was at Captain Dave Traill's funeral I had the idea of screening Angels Sing so I called Scott and then spoke to the G1, Odeon and Paramount cinema chains.

"It is a great chance for people to help a good cause and have a Christmas themed family outing at the same time."

The UK premiere of the film will be held on Monday at the Odeon Springfield Quay. For tickets, phone 0871 224400.

There will also be a screening on Christmas Eve at the Grosvenor Cinema on Ashton Lane in the West End.

See www.grosvenorcafe.co.uk/cinema.php

A concert in aid of the appeal fund will be held at St Mary's Cathedral on Great Western Road on Sunday December 29 at 7.30pm.

It will feature the music of Bach, Vivaldi, Handel and Telemann.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk