TENANTS in a Glasgow tower block have their very own library - thanks to an early Christmas present from their concierge service.

The Glasgow Housing Association team at Sandyhills in the East End set up the service for bookworms at their reception at 60 Strowan Street.

Concierge manager Charlie McKay came up with the idea after he put out some books in a cabinet in the front foyer.

The bookcase proved such a hit the team decided to set up something bigger.

So they drafted in contractors ROK construction who were carrying out overcladding work for GHA.

Mr McKay said: "All of the concierges here love their job and are always looking for ways to help the tenants.

"When we realised how many tenants were borrowing books from the book cabinet we knew that a library would be of benefit to everyone.

"So far it has been a big success and I would like to thank ROK for constructing the library and the concierge team for decorating it. It just shows what team work can achieve."

The new library has been a big hit with residents.

Margaret Cardle, of Strowan Street, said: "I think it's great. There's all the different kinds of books to read and it's on my doorstep."

Mary Dewar, also of Strowan Street, said: "It's a great idea and a welcome addition to the flats to have a library in your back yard. It will encourage more people to read."

Harvey Beaton, of nearby Balbeggie Street, said: "It's a great thing for the community and will be a benefit to elderly tenants who cannot get out.

"It also helps people like me who have books in the flat to hand them into the library so other folk can enjoy."

The library offers tenants a choice of about 100 books plus videos and some DVDs donated by people including staff from local housing association Tenant Controlled Housing.

Tenants who borrow an item are asked to return it when they are finished and the team are always on the look-out for unwanted books for the library.

ROK spokesman John McDonald said: "ROK was keen to give back something to the community after the completion of the overcladding and we spoke to the concierge team agreeing to half theirsink room into two - one part for the library and keeping the other part as a sink room.

"We are delighted the library is already proving to be a big success."

ROK supplied construction material for the library and built the framework, while concierge staff carried out the painting with spare paint.

The library is the latest addition to a string of improvements to the multi-storey blocks.

In April this year a learning centre was opened in the community hall thanks to a partnership with John Wheatley College who installed an IT suite containing 10 computers.

College tutors work in the suite twice a week delivering IT training and on the other days the suite is manned by local volunteers so that tenants can practise their skills.

Other activities on offer at the community hall include a multimedia class, armchair aerobics, tenant-led art classes and an elderly forum.

A weight management and body conditioning class is also in full swing - thanks to help from the Community Health Shop based in Easterhouse - and plans are under way to begin an English class for tenants with Asylum and Refugee status.