GLASGOW’S new Pride celebration has won the support of its European peers as well as backing from the city council.

Mardi Gla, run by the LGBT Co-operative, will be Glasgow’s first ever Pride event recognised by the influential European Pride Organisers Association, known as Euro Pride.

Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council confirmed its support for the Merchant City-based event.

City Convener for Equalities and Human Rights Councillor Jennifer Layden said the council had been impressed by the team’s approach, following an uncertain period for Pride events in the city.

Ms Layden said: "Mardi Gla can be the successful, open, welcoming and free celebration of LGBT Pride that Glasgow deserves – and I’m very happy to support the event.

"I understand how important this is to the city and I’m confident the team have sustainable, realistic plans to ensure Glasgow has a quality Pride event that everyone in the community can feel a part of."

Euan Mcleod, a former Labour councillor, is executive director of the LGBT Co-operative and said the event will include a march and two-day festival.

Mardi Gla will take place on July 20 to 21, using some of the same footprint and infrastructure as the Merchant City Festival.

Its organiser aims to be one of the most accessible, transparent and democratic LGBT organisations in the UK; with one third of board members elected annually by members of Glasgow’s LGBT community.

Will Labate, chairman of the LGBT Co-operative, said: "We are delighted that our ambitious plans for transforming Pride in Glasgow have been recognised at a European level and we look forward to working closely with Glasgow City Council as we work together to deliver a free and educational Pride in Glasgow this July."

Mardi Gla and its organisers have also been granted membership of Euro Pride, with Glasgow only the second community in Scotland to meet entry conditions.

Euro Pride was formed in 1991 and now has almost 100 members across 30 countries.

It promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pride across the continent and seeks to empower and support local and national organisations to promote Pride as both a celebration and a vital human rights movement.

The association also aims to facilitate networking and skill-sharing among member cities and is advocate for the Pride movement at a national and international level, including at the European Parliament.

Kristine Garina, President of European Pride Organisers Association, said: "We are delighted to have welcomed Mardi Gla – Glasgow’s Pride to our membership.

"Our Association is growing at an unprecedented rate and it’s great to see another Scottish Pride keen to engage in the international Pride movement.

"We look forward to working with the Mardi Gla team to support their event and ensure Scottish representation on the international stage."