FORMER First Minister Lord McConnell will be the guest speaker at the First Citizen of Glasgow charity lunch.

As Vice President of UNICEF UK - Lord Provost Sadie Docherty's chosen charity - he was invited along to the event in the City Chambers tomorrow.

The Lord Provost said: "I'm delighted to welcome Lord McConnell to my second charity lunch.

"This year, my chosen charity is UNICEF and I'm looking to build on the success of the council's partnership with this leading children's aid organisation during our brilliant Commonwealth Games.

"I'm extremely proud to say that Glasgow 2014 was a world first - the world's first international sporting event to launch an international fundraising programme.

"Our vision was to harness the power of sport to help improve the lives of children in every country of the Commonwealth by raising money in the run-up to and during the Games.

"We'll all remember the powerful opening ceremony when Sir Chris Hoy, James McAvoy and others called on the UK and the rest of the Commonwealth to donate to Put Children First."

Master of Ceremonies at the charity lunch will be Radio Clyde DJ Knoxy.

Lord McConnell said: "UNICEF is the largest organisation in the world protecting and providing opportunities for vulnerable children.

"Respecting the tradition of a city that has always looked outwards, Glasgow broke new ground this year when their Commonwealth Games put children first and raised millions to help some of the poorest kids on the planet.

"The Lord Provost's lunch builds on that and I hope everyone will give generously to change lives."