Hundreds of colourful handknitted and crocheted blankets made by members of the Church of Scotland are being exhibited in venues in Glasgow.

Described as 'symbols of love' the pieces are an expression of concern and compassion for some of the most vulnerable people in the city.

The Glasgow Close Knit Project was launched by Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Glasgow and homelessness charity the Lodging House Mission last year. The blankets will be given out to people most in need in the winter.

The 430 blankets, described as “beautiful pieces of art”, have been made by members of the Church and other community groups.

They'll be given to the Lodging House Mission in December, which will distribute them to people in temporary accommodation who are struggling to pay their heating bills and keep warm.

The idea for the project came from Rev Jan Mathieson, the immediate past Moderator of the Presbytery of Glasgow.

“We were delighted that the Lord Provost and some of the folks from the City Chambers came to the exhibition and donated blankets,” said the minister.

“We've been equally delighted by all the blankets that have been donated by church, community and craft groups through the city and beyond.

“We think it is a good and fitting way of... building on the values of care and concern and love that Glasgow has always been known for.

“These blankets are beautiful pieces of art are also going to be symbols of that love, given out to people most in need in the winter time.

“And because they will be given out as symbols of compassion and love to people most in need, some of whom sadly think they don't matter, makes it even more special.”

The blankets have so far been displayed at a former fish market, the Briggate in the Merchant City. They'll be exhibited in Kelvin West Church on University Avenue in the west-end of Glasgow from 13 September.