Organisers of Glasgow's Christmas lights switch-on have been criticised by families as a "shambles" after dozens of people with tickets were unable to access the event.

Parents Mary Taylor and Debbie Mullen said their children were left in tears after trying to get into the entry gate to the event, only to be turned away by staff.

"We got here for 6.45pm on the dot and we were refused entry," explained Ms Taylor.

"We were told it was due to health and safety as the fireworks were about to go off and they wouldn't let us up the street due to that."

She added that the fireworks did not go off for another 45 minutes and estimated that around 70 to 100 ticket-holders were unable to get into the event.

Ms Mullen said they specifically chose to come to Glasgow's light event but have been left disappointed by the experience.

"We could have went to other lights but we came to Glasgow beacuse this is where we stay, it's supposed to be People Make Glasgow but it's an absolute shambolic mess."

Others took to social media to slam the handling of the annual George Square event, as thousands descended on city centre for the lights and fireworks display which kickstarts Glasgow's Christmas celebrations.

Glasgow Life, the arms-length organisation linked to Glasgow City Council which runs official events, said those who received tickets had all been informed in writing of the location of the gates.

Two gates were open to the public, located near Strathclyde University, while half a dozen other entrances were open only to businesses, residents or others with formal accreditation.

Organisers defended its system as a "controlled method of entry" that was also in effect last year, but said they would review the event for improvements next year.

A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: "The safety of everyone attending the event is our highest priority.

"We wrote to everyone who received tickets advising them of the location of the gates, when they were open from and when they would close to allow the establishment of the fireworks exclusion zone.

"When we became aware there were delays getting people in to the event, we delayed the gate closure and start of the fireworks to get people in safely.

"We made an announcement asking people to move to clearer areas within George Square and they did which allowed us to get the event underway.

"As we do with every event we continually review every aspect of its delivery and will discuss with partners how to best improve for next year."