FAMILIES of victims and survivors of the Clutha helicopter crash will gather today in Glasgow four months after the tragedy.

A memorial service is being held by the city council to remember loved ones who died at the Clutha Vaults pub on November 29.

The private service will take place at 11am in St Andrew's Cathedral, on the banks of the River Clyde, near to the Clutha on Stockwell Street.

A total of 10 people died - seven were inside the pub and three in the helicopter - when the police aircraft crashed into the bar shortly before 10.30pm on a busy Friday night. Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley; Samuel McGhee, 56, and John McGarrigle, 57, both from Castlemilk; Robert Jenkins, 61, and Mark O'Prey, both from East Kilbride; and Colin Gibson, 33, from Ayr, all lost their lives.

Joe Cusker, 59, of Cambuslang, died at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 13 days after the crash.

Helicopter pilot David Traill, 51, and PCs Kirsty Nelis, 36, and Tony Collins, 43, also perished.

People affected by the crash, including emergency service workers, will attend the memorial.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: "This service is being held to give comfort to those who lost loved ones and those directly affected by the tragedy including emergency service personnel and others who gave aid.

"For the families their sense of loss and grief remains raw. I hope this service helps them a little."

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia will host the service.

He will welcome the Lord Provost before a series of hymns and prayers take place.

Ten candles will be lit to represent each person who lost their lives.

The service is expected to last an hour.

Archbishop Tartaglia said: "My hope is that the service will show we remember and do not forget; that we have cared and still care; that we prayed and we still pray; that we belong to a city which is full of humanity and compassion; and that even out of this tragedy we are called to be better, more compassionate, more understanding human beings."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk