Foodbank collection organisers have been threatened with legal action from Hearts Football Club.

Edinburgh Helping Hands have collections taking place in other parts of the city, including one at Easter Road before next week’s Hibs game.

Earlier this week they received a letter from Hearts lawyer’s stating that the initiative was not in partnership with the Gorgie club and threatened further legal action.

Today Hearts posted a statement online that said “It has come to our attention that a group using the name Edinburgh Helping Hands has been using our badge, our name and stating online and in their literature that a food collection is in association with HMFC.

“The use of our badge and name is completely unauthorised and the event being promoted prior to our game v Aberdeen by Edinburgh Helping Hands is not associated with HMFC, not endorsed by HMFC and the appropriate legal action is currently being taken by the clubs legal advisors.

“Hearts fans should not be misled by this misrepresentation and mis-use of the club badge and name.”

Despite the threat of legal action Hearts fans took to the streets around Gorgie today to hand out flyers advertising the collection event.

Edinburgh Helping Hands have hoped to raise over 10 tonnes of food to be distributed to Edinburgh citizens on the run up to Christmas.

A post of on the Edinburgh Helping Hands Facebook page said “Hearts FC have today issued a statement on their website threatening legal action against the Hearts fans foodbank initiative.

“This can only be characterised as a bizarre and heartless development.

“For the record Helping Hands wrote to Hearts FC on December 2nd 2016 regarding their fans initiative to hold a foodbank collection at Tynecastle stadium similar to the one that is being held by Hibernian fans at Easter Road.

“We made clear to Hearts that this was a fans initiative and our role was to offer our experience, expertise and logistical support to make it a success.

“Hearts failed to respond to that letter and at no time contacted Helping Hands in relation to their supporters plans.” (click here for the full stement)

Live Edinburgh News understands the collection will go ahead as planned.