TWO charities associated with the Old Firm have pledged to join forces to buy two ambulances and donate them to the Syrian refugee aid effort.

The Rangers Charity Foundation and the Celtic FC Foundation will fund one ambulance each for the ‘Glasgow Cares’ refugees appeal.

Former Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Anas Sarwar founded the “Glasgow Cares“ appeal in order to acquire two ambulances and deliver them to the island of Lesbos in Greece.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted with the commitment the Rangers Charity Foundation and the Celtic FC Foundation have given to this important and life-saving cause.

“It demonstrates once again the kindness and generosity of the people of Glasgow. I received a call within hours of launching the appeal from John Gilligan and Peter Lawwell who pledged their and their club’s full support.

“Like many people around the world, I was moved to take action after seeing the shocking images of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, who drowned while trying to reach Greece with his family.

“With this commitment from the two clubs it now means that every penny we raise over this can be spent on medical equipment and essential medical supplies.”

The ambulances will be staffed with a full time team of paramedics and medical support staff, and will be tasked with delivering vital and potentially life saving treatments.

It is hoped they will arrive in Greece on Monday. Mr Sarwar will journey with the vehicles and will oversee the aid effort.

Peter Lawwell chief executive of Celtic said: “We are delighted to be able to further assist the current refugee crisis by way of funding this ambulance.

“I would like to thank all of our supporters who have contributed and made this possible.”

Stewart Robertson, Managing Director, Rangers Football Club added: “We have all been moved by the images we have seen from the refugee crisis and on behalf of Rangers Football Club and the Charity Foundation I am delighted to support a project that will provide practical help to those fleeing from Syria.