SUPPORTERS braved the cold and spent a night sleeping outside in Celtic Park to raise more than £50,000.

The 'Celtic Sleep Out' returned for an eighth time to the stadium in Glasgow's East End and was hosted by club charity Celtic FC Foundation.

Around 130 fans spent the night outside to raise money for the club's Christmas Appeal and were joined by Celtic Women manager Fran Alonso and former Celt and B team coach Darren O’Dea at various points in the night.

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Participants also were greeted by Glasgow musician Jonathan Boyd who serenaded them from the stand. A powerful rendition of Grace started the intimate set, which finished with everyone joining in for You’ll Never Walk Alone as it approached midnight.

Those who attended the sleep-out were welcomed to the stadium with thanks from Celtic FC Foundation chief executive Tony Hamilton before hearing from volunteers of Christmas Appeal beneficiary charity The Invisibles as Dermot Hill and Billy Reid shared some of their experiences with the group.

Fans were also treated to a short Christmas video where they heard from Brendan Rodgers and members of the first-team squad.

Celtic Park events supplied an unlimited amount of complimentary tea, coffee and of course Bovril throughout the night, with the added bonus of some pies and soup to keep the group going.

Supporters were offered the opportunity to donate their sleeping bags and mats after completing the night.

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Celtic Foundation has said that the response to the sleep-out was "outstanding" and the contributions made to The Invisibles and The Wayside Club will make a huge difference for many sleeping rough, on the streets of our city.

In a statement from the Foundation, it said: "Celtic FC Foundation would like to thank each and every Sleep Out participant for their incredible efforts, as well as everyone who supported them along the way.

"You have made a genuine difference to those in our community, who are most in need. 

"Our Sleep Out events play an integral part of the Appeal, with each of our participants having committed to raising a minimum of £135 towards the Appeal.

"If you would like to continue to support the Celtic Sleep Out, Glasgow team, there’s still time to donate online HERE."