LOCAL heroes from the North East of Glasgow got together to celebrate their contributions to the community at the first Community Champions event of the year.

Community groups from all over gathered at Barmulloch Community Centre yesterday evening to find out who the winners were in the North East Community Champions 2015.

Evening Times columnist and east end girl Michelle McManus started things off by introducing local singer Jennifer McLaren who performed a moving rendition of Believe by Cher then launched into Mercy by Duffy and had the audience of finalists clapping and dancing along.

Before the first award was given out Michelle McManus took an 'oscars style' selfie of herself with the audience to post on Twitter.

The atmosphere was described as 'electric' by Annette Mullen, tour manager at the Friends of the Necropolis who were up for the Team Award.

She said: "The atmosphere here is electric, we are here celebrating the work people do in their community and that's what it's all about.

"It's so good to see so many people participating in their community."

The group voluntarily runs two standard tours a month but also does bespoke tours for societies and groups who book in advance. Ms Mullen said some of their more famous visitors have included Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue fame, Patti Smith, and more recently, Miley Cyrus.

Guests gathered before the awards ceremony for a buffet and had the chance to mingle with the other finalists.

Amanda Madden, project leader at All Saints Secondary School, said it was good to see so many young people getting involved in their community through volunteering and local groups.

She said: "The pupils are extremely excited, and they feel privileged to be part of this. They are so happy to be here.

"I think there's a great buzz in the local community about tonight. It's great to see the community presented in such a good light.

"It's fantastic to see so many young people getting involved in their community, volunteering and helping out, and tonight is all about celebrating these contributions."

The programme at All Saints Secondary School, which is pupil-led, runs a Community Food Initiative and organised food drives, coffee mornings and bag packing to raise funds that meant they could distribute food parcels to the elderly and other vulnerable people in the area.

During the ceremony Evening Times editor Tony Carlin took to the stage to honour Glasgow Group Manager Iain Goodlet who is retiring after 30 years of service with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

He has worked with the Community Champions since it began in 2008. Mr Carlin said his retirement would be a 'sad loss' for the initiatives he has been involved in but wished him a 'long and happy' retirement and every success for the future.

Another group, Urban Foxes, who were up for the Public Services Award said how pleased they were to be nominated for a different category. In previous years they have been up for the Team Award, but this time the nomination was in recognition of their work helping under 18-year-olds quit smoking.

Debbie McGowan, programme coordinator, said: "We are seconded to help young people quit tobacco and it's so good to get recognition for the work we do.

"There aren't really any other services that are aimed at young people quitting tobacco the way we are.

"It's lovely to be acknowledged for the service we provide to the public in this way."

Winners were invited to the stage to collect their award and certificate, but all the finalists were also called up to collect certificates to show their place in the competition.

Vice President for the Shettleston Harriers John MacKay, said: "we are really delighted to have been recognised for the work we do. We saw membership rise after the Commonwealth Games and the council has spent £800,000 preparing the Crown Games Track. We are going to have a track that was used during the Games to. Tonight is so vibrant, it's very exciting to be here."

The Shettleston Harriers have been on the go for a staggering 111 years, offering athletic opportunities to everyone in the area and encouraging young people to get involved in sport. The also provide food and living packages to refugee families.

Area Commander for Scottish Fire and Rescue George McGrandles acknowledged the outstanding effort all the finalists had gone to in order to help their local communities.

He said: "We are honoured to be here tonight to celebrate the work you do in our communities, often for very little reward."

Depute Lord Provost, Councillor Gerry Leonard from Glasgow City Council, gave a vote of thanks at the end of the evening.

He said: "Everyone here is a winner tonight."

Michelle McManus closed the night with a roof raising performance of Ghost by Ella Henderson followed by her 2003 hit All This Time which earned her a standing ovation from the audience.

Community Champions is now in its eighth year, and will continue throughout the year with two more events celebrating local heroes from the North West and South side of Glasgow.

There will then be an awards ceremony held at the end of the year in the City Chambers to honour all the winners from the local events.