Everyone was a winner last night as the North West of the city celebrated its community champions.

In a packed Partick Burgh Hall, the roar of the crowd nearly brought the house down as finalists had their moment in the spotlight.

They are the unsung heroes of Glasgow, talented individuals and groups who have been recognised for their achievements.

In a fabulous night hosted by Evening Times columnist Michelle McManus and assistant editor Graham Shields, there was a warm welcome for all the finalists.

Among the runners-up in the North West round of the sixth annual Community Champion award was Ruchill Credit Union.

Run by volunteers, they also offer an all-important alternative to companies charging excessive interest on loans.

"We work with ordinary people and those in need," explained assistant treasurer Edith Ward. "We started originally to keep people away from money lenders and it just snowballed."

Councillor Philip Braat of Glasgow City Council applauded the hard work of our finalists.

"Together we can do so much than we can individually," he said. "I am extremely proud of our city and of the contributions everyone has made."

Ann Lawrence is the project manager for local charity Young People's Futures, working with children and youngsters aged between five and 18 years old. A runner up in the Individual Award, she has worked tirelessly to bring the community together and provide positive experiences for local kids.

Runner-up Maisie Macrae has been involved in a number of community groups in the North West for many years. As a member of Friends of Victoria Park she spearheaded the recent Commonwealth Connections event in the green space which brought more than 3000 local people together.

Vice chairman of Spire View Housing Association, Tilly McIlroy has dedicated years of her life to the redevelopment of her local neighbourhood.

As well as being instrumental in the development of hundreds of new build properties, the runner up is still involved in planning and organising which bring the community together.

"It feels really great to be here," she said last night. "I feel honoured to be nominated."

Runners-up for the Public Service Award include Tony Snodgrass and the Community Jannies who provide support to the tenants of Drumchapel.

Also applauded was a community owned and managed venue, the Whiteinch Centre, set up in response to the action of locals who recognised a need for an affordable community facility.

"It is such a great achievement to get this far in the awards," said Yulita Hanlon, business development manager at Whiteinch Centre. "Especially for the team and all the volunteers. It is a great acknowledgement of our work."

Runners-up in the Uniform Services Award included Dr David Reilly, renowned in his field of complementary and integrative medicine.

Meanwhile, delivering care to patients with chronic conditions that conventional treatments have failed to resolve, the NHS Centre of Integrative Care has specialised in holistic methods.

"We are proud to be finalists," said Patricia Donachie of the NHS Centre for Integrative Care. "It is very much a team effort."

A charity providing education and support to children with complex learning difficulties coupled with physical difficulties, East Park school, a runner up for the Health and Wellbeing Award, offers respite for families as well as specialist teaching techniques.

"There are 10 staff and children here from our residential school and they are having a fabulous time," said Helen Gallagher, healthcare co-ordinator at the school.

Other runners-up in this category included the Family Addiction Support Service, a charity that helps families affected by a loved one's addiction problems.

And the WEL Programme, an illness and chronic disease management initiative designed to help patients implement the changes needed to cope with their conditions.

Applauding runners-up in the Sport Award, Iain Goodlet, Scottish Fire & Rescue city of Glasgow group manager, described them as "life-changing community projects".

Among the runners up were Fortune Flyers, a football team for those with learning disabilities.

It offers a chance to learn new skills and keep active. A truly inclusive club, the team plays in the disability league and continues to recruit new members.

"The guys didn't have a football team before," said coach and manager Jason Methven. "This has given them an outlet to channel their enthusiasm for sport."

An active schools co-ordinator in primary schools in the North West, Steven Gilliland was another runner up. He has encouraged many children to pursue sports they never had the chance to before.

After seeing his children's school didn't have any football teams or fitness sections, runner-up Thomas Lyon has been volunteering as a coach at Oakgrove Primary School.

A group for young at heart pensioners were among the runners-up for the Senior Award.

Annexe Communities Connects Projects allows them to enjoy a variety of activities and make new friends.

Fellow runner-up Sadie Gordon has been an active member of her community for more than 40 years. She contributes to a number of groups, from the young to the elderly. She famously never takes no for an answer and works tirelessly in the local community.

Finally, a volunteer at Knightswood Primary School for more than five years, runner-up Susan Morrison set up a healthy food initiative called Fruity Express and now operates tasks to support the children.

She has a great relationship with the youngsters, encouraging them to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

There was entertainment on the night to keep the party going, from local talent Sophie Roger as well as Pop Idol winner Michelle.

angela.mcmanus @eveningtimes.co.uk