SCHOOLCHILDREN are being urged to turn up in their Rangers and Celtic tops to watch the Old Firm clash together as part of an anti-sectarian drive.

Primary 7 and first year pupils have been invited along to the 'Old Firm, New Friends' event at Castlemilk Youth Complex in Ardencraig Road, Glasgow.

Kids are encouraged to wear their team's colours while attending an anti-sectarian workshop before they sit down for the match on a big screen on Sunday.

After the game, organisers Streetwise and the Castlemilk Youth Complex have arranged a social event in the hope the youngsters will become friends.

Fraser Howat, head of the youth complex, said: "The aim of the event is to highlight the dangers of sectarian behaviour and educate young people on the consequences of sectarianism while also encouraging an inclusive approach to enjoying football matches with their friends.

"We hope to create a positive match day experience with friends who support both teams."

He said one of the reasons for the event was that he had seen an increase in sectarian behaviour and he wants to nip it in the bud.

Mr Howat added: "We will run an anti-sectarian workshop beforehand, show the game and have social time afterwards to break down barriers.

"Getting them at a young age and getting that positive message across is what it is all about.

"Without at doubt, we see a lot of hereditary stuff going on with the kids and it seems to be gathering pace again with more and more people taking strength on either side.

"It is something we feel strongly about and we need to try and nip in the bud."

Kids from the two secondaries and four primaries in the Castlmilk area have all been invited.

The free event is being run by the Castlemilk Youth Complex youth worker Ryan Davidson and kicks off at 12pm until 5pm.

At 12pm there will be a sectarian workshop, then at 1.30pm the kids will watch the match on a big screen with pies and Bovril at half time.

After the match at 3.30pm there will be a social event where kids can talk about the game in a friendly atmosphere with burgers and refreshments followed by football quiz and games.

ends.