FIRST Minister Jack McConnell has promised the "vast majority" of services provided by a lone-parent charity that has gone into liquidation will continue.

One Plus, one of the biggest child care organisations in Scotland, collapsed on Monday after running into "severe financial difficulties".

The move led to around 500 staff losing their jobs and leaves hundreds of families facing potential care problems.

The charity offered training and support for parents and ran nursery and after-school services to help parents back into work.

During First Minister's Question Time, the SSP's Rosie Kane asked what the Executive is doing to make sure those services are still offered to single parent families.

Mr McConnell said he was disappointed to hear the company had folded, and described it as having had a "terrific" history stretching back 25 years.

He added: "We've worked very hard over recent weeks with local authorities and voluntary agencies to put continuity arrangements in place which will mean the vast majority of services of One Plus will be preserved."

Ms Kane attacked the Executive for rejecting a £2million financial rescue package for the Glasgow-based firm earlier this month.

The First Minister agreed the services offered by One Plus should be kept together in one organisation, arguing the voluntary sector is best placed to help.

Mr McConnell added: "It is important the services that will be lost as a result of the liquidation should not just be taken over by local authorities.

"As much as possible the services being transferred or taken over now, should be transferred to, or taken over by, voluntary bodies."

Tomorrow at noon, former staff, users and supporters of One Plus will gather outside the charity's headquarters in Renfrew Street, Glasgow and march to the City Chambers.