THE search is on for big-hearted individuals and organisations who tirelessly give their time to help others.

The spotlight is now shining on local heroes in the South Side of the city as the latest round of the Evening Times Community Champion awards kicks off.

We are looking for remarkable people, the unsung heroes of our local areas who make life better for colleagues, friends and neighbours, and without whom Glasgow would be a poorer place.

We have already rewarded hundreds of community champions from across the city and now we want to hear more about the people who make Glasgow great in the South Side. Whether you or someone you know has made a difference by caring for others, campaigning for better services, or in general creating a positive environment, we want you to tell us about it.

These are the inspirational people who will be crowned our Community Champions.

Award categories include the Team Award, Individual Award, Public Services Award, Uniform Services Award, Senior Award, Young Award, Health and Wellbeing Award and Sports Award.

The awards are open to everyone and anyone can nominate a team, public servant or themselves.

You could nominate the coach of a sports club or a parent who organises after-school activities, a pensioner who takes on housing issues or a uniformed officer who has saved lives. A list of nominees will be published in the Evening Times and on our website.

The finalists, decided by a judging panel made up of representatives from the awards partners, will take their place in our hall of fame, joining an illustrious band of local heroes who strive to improve the lives of others.

We are delighted to once again be working in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow Housing Association, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland, who will each assist in our search for this year's champions.

Finalists are chosen at three events across the city: the North-East, South and North-West, from as far afield as Baillieston and Carntyne to Ruchazie, Springboig and Tollcross.

The winners from each local event will automatically be selected as finalists for a glittering awards ceremony to crown the champions of Champions to be held in the City Chambers in December.

"The Community Champions Awards are our opportunity to honour and thank the army of unsung heroes who make our city great," says Evening Times editor Tony Carlin.

"They come from all walks of life, from schoolchildren to senior citizens, from volunteers to those in public service. The one thing they have in common is a determination to make life better for their fellow citizens.

"Over the past few years hundreds of these remarkable men and women, young people and organisations have been hailed at these awards. They have all demonstrated, with their selflessness and commitment, that they are truly exceptional citizens.

"It is both an honour and a privilege for the Evening Times to be able, with our partners, to pay tribute to them for their efforts which make our city a better place to work and to live.

"The Evening Times' motto is 'Nobody Knows Glasgow Better'. We know that the outstanding individuals and organisations we honour at these events are the very lifeblood of our city and, for that, we all owe them a great debt of gratitude."

The South Side event takes places on June 18.

Nominations of those making a difference in the South Side must reach us by May 14.

Categories

TEAM AWARD

A local team or group of volunteers who make a difference to their community by improving amenities or raising the quality of life for local residents.

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

Someone who gives up their free time to make a significant contribution to other people's lives - they may run a local club, campaign for better services for their area or fundraise for charity.

PUBLIC SERVICES AWARD

This award will reward a public service team or individual who has gone that extra mile and continually demonstrates a 'can do' attitude.

UNIFORM SERVICES AWARD

An extraordinary team or individual from the uniformed services. It could be a person you turn to in times of need, or a team responsible for keeping your community safe.

SENIOR AWARD

Individuals or teams aged 60 and over who, after many years of hard work, continue to devote much of their time to helping others.

YOUNG AWARD

For individuals or teams aged 17 and under. Nominees may have made a difference to their community or have inspired others through their achievements.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARD

This award recognises groups, projects or individuals which promote the improvement of health and wellbeing within their communities.

SPORTS AWARD

This category recognises those working at grassroots level to encourage participation in sport and fitness ahead of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

HOW TO NOMINATE:

CONTACT Claire Reid on 0141 302 7319, email claire.reid@heraldandtimes.co.uk or visit our website at http://eveningtimesevents.com/communitychamps/enter/

The awards are open to everyone. All entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form.

Previous nominees and winners are eligible to enter.