WORK has started in the East End of Glasgow on the Athletes' Village for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

A drilling rig has been brought in near the Clyde to investigate ground conditions prior to building work - the first sign of the regeneration the event sparked.

Ecological studies will also be carried out before the bulldozers move in to bring the 95-acre site opposite Celtic Park up to an acceptable standard.

The Village will accommodate 1000 houses and flats during the Games, as well as facilities for the athletes.

Once the event is finished, temporary buildings will be removed and a further 500 homes built.

A total of 300 homes will be available for social renting and the area will also house a 120-bed home for the elderly.

Archie Graham, the city council's executive member for social work delivery, said: "Following decades of industrial neglect, it is essential the land is fit for purpose.

"Not only is it important for the Games but also after 2014 when people hope to live in the area and these homes for many years to come.

"The preparatory work on site is the first tangible sign of what will be a first-rate athletes' accommodation area for the Games and a new housing neighbourhood for the area."

The Athletes' Village location consists of a mixture of former industrial sites, cleared social rented housing and open space.

Council bosses have agreed a £15million budget to fund purchase of land as well as safety work over the next two years leading up to the start of construction.