South Lanarkshire Council is to donate £15,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee, which is leading the UK response to the earthquake that has killed more than 40,000 and left thousands more injured and homeless.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said the leaders of all the political  groups on the council had agreed to make the donation to the DEC.

Councillor Fagan said: “The council has a proud history of helping people in times of crisis. While our clear focus is always on the support we provide local residents and our own communities, I don’t think any reasonable person could begrudge this donation.

“We face many problems and hardships, but we are lucky not to live somewhere that falls victim to such a devastating natural disaster. For too many victims, this has come after years of suffering in war too.

“I want to thank all the political leaders for agreeing to this emergency contribution to the DEC, which is being made on behalf of all the citizens of South Lanarkshire, as we stand in solidarity with our fellow human beings in their time of greatest need.”