Celtic has praised fans and supporters for donating a huge amount of essential items as part of a food collection drive for those most in need.

Ahead of the home game against Kilmarnock today, the club had urged fans to donate food and toiletries which would then be given to local foodbanks.

Around Celtic Park, there were three designated drop-off stations at the main entrance, and also at the west and east entrances along Janefield Street.

Glasgow NE Foodbank said it was “delighted” to have organised such a “massively successful” collection today, and thanked fans.

The foodbank added: “Very proud to be involved and very proud to be able to include 16 other groups to benefit.”

Celtic FC Foundation has had an ongoing commitment to improving health, promoting equality, encouraging learning, and tackling poverty in its efforts to help the less fortunate.

The foundation’s CEO, Tony Hamilton, said: “The food drive closely aligns with our origins as a club established to alleviate hunger for vulnerable people in our society and we are grateful for the typically generous support we receive from the Celtic family.

“Consistent with Celtic FC Foundation’s activities around health and wellbeing, ‘Healthy Hoops’ promises to be a hugely worthwhile event offering real value and practical advice for supporters.

“It’s an ideal opportunity to learn about common health-related issues in a friendly, interactive setting and I’m certain it will be a useful outlet for those on the Celtic Way pre-match.”

Rangers Charity Foundation took part in a similar drive last August when it managed to collect a staggering 1.5 tonnes of food for local foodbanks.

Claire McCunnie, from the Ibrox Parish Church Centre, said at the time: “I just want to say thanks for everything you all did to help us with the collection.

“To say I was blown away when I saw it all is an understatement. Rangers fans donated a huge 1.5 tonnes of food which is amazing.”