UNSUNG heroes with a burning ambition to help others were recognised last night when awards were presented to Glasgow South West Community Champions.

At the event in Govan Community Fire Station competition was red hot between groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond to help others in the local area from Ibrox and Govan to Pollok, Cathcart, Arden and Darnley.

The station was packed with friends and family there to give support to those who do so much for others.

"We're amazed and delighted to be nominated," said Lorraine Walby, a volunteer with Bushido Autistic Spectrum Disorder Karate Club, a finalist in the Health and Wellbeing Award.

"We set up a 16-week course last year to teach karate to children with autism and ADHD and didn't know whether it would be popular.

"It just took off and now we're a proper karate class and the kids get gradings and their belts."

This was the fifth event in this year's Community Champions Awards, celebrating work carried out across the south-west of the city.

The grand final awards ceremony takes place at the City Chambers in December.

Hosted last night by Evening Times deputy editor Rob Bruce, he said although citizens of the south-west often face tough times, they have never lost their fighting spirit.

"Tonight has shown there are many fantastic individuals and organisations carrying out magnificent work to make the south-west of Glasgow a better place for all."

Presenting the Team Award, Bailie Fariha Thomas said Glasgow was made by people getting together and the people of the city have always been at the forefront of positive development.

"I'm proud of our city," she said.

"We have wonderfully committed citizens. Everyone is a winner here tonight."

Xchange Scotland, a finalist in the Team Award category, was first set up in 2007 to run pilot workshops in the Ibrox and Govan areas aimed at sectarian behaviour.

Now 800 school pupils have been involved in the project, which provides a platform for creative self-expression by creating posters which are displayed by the schools in the local area.

Last year the group hosted an end-of- project event to celebrate the work of these local teens in the People's Palace.

Martin Avila, director of Xchange Scotland, said: "It's great to be here with so many worthy organisations."

Angela Morris was nominated for the Individual Award for her work over the past two years helping to run Croftfoot United Football Club and securing more than £10,000 in funding and sponsorship.

Although the club is based in the south-east of the city, many of its players live in Arden, and Angela picks up and drops off these children for weekly training sessions and matches.

Helping others isn't new to Angela - she has spent the past 22 years volunteering with local groups, including the Boys' Brigade.

"I was really surprised to be nominated," she said. "It's wonderful to be appreciated."

Through her commitment and can-do attitude, Angela has been instrumental in the success of the club, creating more volunteers, players and ultimately support.

Community means everything to Glen Oaks Housing Association, a finalist in the Public Service Award, which has been building and managing housing stock in Arden, Darnley and Pollok since 1991.

"We feel very honoured to be recognised," said Jean Murray, housing services director.

"Although our main role is housing, it is also to make a community: a place to live. It's about the people as well as the place."

The association is community-based and run by a volunteer management committee - the majority are local residents. Creating affordable homes for local people, the association also provides leisure facilities for all age groups.

A group set up just eight weeks ago was a finalist in the Uniform Services Award.

Part of Police Scotland, the Community Impact Team target specific community issues within a small timeframe, targeting anti-social behaviour, crime and road safety.

Already they have made a significant impact on apprehending criminals, drugs misuse, house burglaries and vandalism. Intelligence gathered helps colleagues in the area.

"We're doing our best to target the right people in the right place at the right time," said Sergeant Andrew Milligan, who attended the ceremony with three colleagues from the team.

Nominated for the Senior Award, the Shaws Senior Citizens Club has been in Pollokshaws for 15 years, bringing together 40 ladies every week between the ages of 80 and 100.

Every Friday they get together to sing as welcome song, address community issues and socialise with friends.

Former convener Betty Peline said: "We're just one big happy family. It's wonderful to be nominated."

Councillor Emma Gillan, who presented the award, said all the groups in the category were an inspiration.

Members and committee members of Bellahouston Road Runners were at the ceremony last night.

Improving the fitness of people living in the south-west of the city is the aim of the group, an active and inclusive running club.

It now has more than 150 members and has had successful men's and women's teams competing in and winning events.

"It's great to be part of an event like this," said club president Robert McEwan.

"Our club works hard to provide a facility for the sporting people of Glasgow. We're really proud to be here."

Presenting the award, Superintendent Brian McInulty of Police Scotland said his organisation was committed to keeping people safe, a passion shared by all those nominated.

One of the biggest cheers of the night was for the young girls in the Young Philanthropy Group from Lourdes Secondary School.

They decided Govanhill Family Support Group, which helps families dealing with a loved one's addiction, could benefit from their support by raising awareness and fundraising.

The girls applied for funding from the Wood Family Trust and after a successful presentation, explaining what the charity did and how it would benefit from funding, they secured £3000.

"They put in a lot of time and effort researching a charity that meant something to them," said principal teacher of enterprise, employability and wider achievement, Lorraine Ross.

"All the girls are from the Govan area and know the issues that face friends and families."

Digging for victory, Alzheimer Scotland Allotment was a worthy finalist in the Health and Wellbeing Award.

Based at Bellahouston Walled Garden, the group encourages people experiencing memory loss and dementia to get outdoors.

"We've had a great year because it was such a good summer," said dementia adviser Linda Tod.

"Up to 15 people have been growing vegetables - leeks, onions, potatoes and carrots - and we've also had a bed for flowers and some have made their own hanging baskets."

Before the night finished, there was a chance to celebrate local talent in the shape of 12-year-old singer Rebekah Kirk, who provided the entertainment for the evening.