Bristol City, Rovers and Bears offer Barton House residents tickets

Barton House's residents have been told they cannot return to their homes in time for Christmas

Three professional sports teams are offering free tickets to residents evacuated from an "unsafe" tower block.

More than 250 residents of Barton House in Bristol were evacuated in November due to safety fears unearthed in a council survey.

They were told on Monday they can return but not until after Christmas.

Now Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Bristol Bears say residents can get free tickets to watch their games over the Christmas and New Year period.

The Tobacco Factory and Bristol Old Vic theatres have also offered some tickets to their Christmas shows as well.

• Tower block residents will not be home by Christmas

• The tower block residents left in limbo for weeks

Scott Murray is now Bristol City's kit man

Former Bristol City player and current kit man Scott Murray said: "When we heard about what was going on for the residents of Barton House we wanted to help in some way.

"So we're happy to be able to offer them some tickets to our Millwall game on 1 January.

"It will be great to have them at Ashton Gate and we hope we can cheer them up at Christmas."

Bristol Rovers community trust CEO Adam Tutton said the club felt it should do something to help the residents.

He said: "The club, CEO and owners have offered free tickets to a game of their choice of over the Christmas and New Year period and we hope this bring a little joy over this wonderful time of the year."

Bristol Bears flanker Jake Heenan, who also owns a the local cafe chain Burra in Redland and Bedminster, said: "We're happy to be able to offer tickets one of our games over Christmas. It will be great to have them there cheering us on."

Some of Barton House's residents are still living in the block, while many are in a nearby Holiday Inn hotel.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees told the BBC after a residents briefing on 18 December the council would not risk peoples' lives and the building will be made safe before they return.

Mr Rees added the authority had done its best to explain why people had to be evacuated.