Rangers fans have raised £49,000 toward combating homelessness through the Rangers Charity Foundation's Big Ibrox Sleep Outs.

Around 180 fans spent the night at the stadium weathering the cold to collect the funds.

The foundation said half of the donations will support its community efforts while the rest will be split between two initiatives by Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland.

Malky Thomson, the Academy coach, said: "Today we witnessed first-hand how important the work of the Rangers Foundation is.

"Our players spent some time listening to how others have to live their lives and how homelessness is not selective - it can happen to anyone.

"The reality of this has been a humbling education, not just for the players but also for myself."

Glasgow Times: Academy players took part in the Sleep Outs, and welcomed guests, served soup and hot drinks

The foundation said the funds ensures Glasgow City Mission's Overnight Welcome Centre can provide shelter during the coldest months.

They supported 491 individuals this winter in finding emergency beds, even saving four lives through CPR and Naloxone administration.

Jack Geddes, marketing and fundraising manager at Glasgow City Mission, said: "The Rangers Charity Foundation and all the Rangers fans who slept out have again blessed our guests with a hugely significant donation that allows us to open our Overnight Welcome Centre. This year we have been extremely busy and the generosity and support given has been crucial in stopping rough sleeping in Glasgow.”

The proceeds also support Simon Community Scotland in creating Crisis Packs which contains toiletries, food vouchers, a winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and top-ups for gas and electricity.

The foundation also offers kettle packs for people who do not have kitchen facilities in their current shelter in city centre B&Bs or hotels.

Glasgow Times: The foundation said the funds ensures Glasgow City Mission's Overnight Welcome Centre can provide

Describing the essentials donated as "life saving", Murray Easton, from Simon Community Scotland, said: "It will make a real difference to our safe places and support for people experiencing homelessness.

“Last week our Glasgow Street Team and Hub prevented 42 people from rough sleeping in horrendous weather. Sadly, there are still 15-20 people sleeping rough on the city streets every night. We're doing all we can to support them.

"Thanks to donations from the Big Ibrox Sleep Out, we can ensure that people we support receive warm winter clothing, food vouchers, sleeping bags and toiletries."

David Henson, of the Rangers Charity Foundation, said the contributions have a huge impact on those who do not have a secure place to stay.

He added: "The recent statistics from both Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland show just how necessary this support continues to be.”

Academy players Paul Nsio, Darren McInally and Connor Allan attended Glasgow City Mission’s drop-in lunch.

Some of the players took part in the Sleep Outs, welcomed guests, served soup and hot drinks, and chatted to guests and helped clear up afterwards.