HOUSTON residents are giving a helping hand to devastated communities in a Texan city of the same name as they try to piece their lives back together following a major hurricane.

Hurricane Harvey hit the city of Houston in America’s largest state last month, leaving around 60 people dead.

The natural disaster caused the heaviest tropical rainfall ever recorded in America, resulting in widespread flooding and leaving tens of thousands of people homeless.

City leaders are now facing a potential reconstruction bill of $180billion – the equivalent of £138billion – following the category five storm.

Now caring members of Houston Community Council have set up a crowdfunding page in an attempt to raise £1,000 to send to victims of the disaster.

The idea was suggested by community councillor Mark Carter and resident Bill Gallacher, who both thought it would be a nice gesture for Renfrewshire’s version of Houston to help the city with the same name.

Community council chairman John McEvoy told The Gazette: “It is absolutely dreadful what happened over in Houston and we thought it was a wonderful idea to raise some money and try to help our friends out.

“All credit goes to both Mark and Bill for suggesting the idea.

“We thought that, rather than send the money to a big charity like American Red Cross, we should send it to a more local cause over there, so all of the donations will be going to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that was set up by the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner.

“That way, people here know their money is going straight to the communities who need it the most.”

Ancestors of General Sam Houston, who founded the Texan city, came from the Renfrewshire village.

And members of the community council are hoping the crowdfunding page will demonstrate their support for a place they have long had historic ties with.

So far, around £200 has been raised through the JustGiving page.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/houstonsupportinghouston.