MOST of us have, at some time or other, been furious with the city council.

That may be because of a parking ticket, holes in the road or your local school closing down.

But in the run-up to the festive season, the council is responsible for a series of events which melt even the hardest heart.

They must surely include inviting the city's senior citizens to the City Chambers for a Christmas meal.

Around 250 are asked along every day for five days to enjoy good food and even better company.

Anyone who walks into the council headquarters during that period is left in no doubt our older residents are having the time of their lives.

The foyer of the dramatic building echoes with laughter as the raucous guests have a ball in the Banqueting Hall two floors above.

It is impossible for visitors to the Chambers not to grin at the sound of so many people thoroughly enjoying themselves.

And for 1250 pensioners, it becomes a Christmas they are not likely to forget.

A special Christmas lunch is also offered to special needs children in the city who also get to strut their stuff at a disco.

Kind-hearted council staff volunteer to join in the fun and all put a great deal of effort into ensuring they are wearing outstanding fancy dress.

Other festive favourites are the Blessing of the Nativity Crib and Baby's First Christmas, when 250 of the city's newest citizens are invited to the City Chambers with their mums and dads to meet Lord Provost Sadie Docherty.

They all receive a token and certificate to mark their first festive season in the city.

The council also has a special gift for people at the other end of the age spectrum.

Every person in the city aged 80 or over qualifies for a £100 winter fuel allowance, regardless of their income.

A couple both over 80 each receive £100 providing a welcome financial boost for some of the city's most vulnerable residents.

For many pensioners, the cash means they don't have to worry about turning up their heating when the cold weather bites.

Since the dividend was introduced in November 2011, the council has made a total of 30,000 payments.

A small price to pay to save older people worrying about how they will pay their gas and electric bills.

Glasgow will soon be putting a smile on the faces of London art lovers with some of the most stunning pieces from the Burrell Collection going on display in Bonhams auctioneers on New Bond Street - the first time they have been seen outwith Glasgow for almost 40 years.

It is expected the exhibition will attract substantial media attention, fitting for a city which has spent much of the summer in the media spotlight thanks to the Commonwealth Games.