THEY are the stars of the east, west, north and south and last night, they lit up Glasgow.

The Evening Times Community Champions of 2015 were crowned at a glittering ceremony in the City Chambers as cheers and applause raised the roof.

Winners from the South, North East and North West heats joined together for the lively, heartwarming event, hosted by actress Libby McArthur and supported by our partners Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow Housing Association, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland.

Easthall Residents Association, an inspirational group tackling social inequalities and creating better facilities for the people of the east end, triumphed in the Team Award.

Andy Gilbert, project coordinator, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the contribution of our volunteers who work so hard.”

The Individual Award was presented to Edward Kirkwood, who dedicates his spare time to litter picking in Queen’s Park. The 26-year-old is a wheelchair user and his efforts to make the park a cleaner and safer place for everyone have inspired the whole community.

Edward said: “I did it because I live across the road from the park and I got fed up looking at all the litter. It’s a surprise to get the award, but a nice one.”…..

Councillor Soryia Siddique, Chair of the Glasgow Community Planning Partnership presented the Public Service Award to Royston Youth Action, in recognition of their efforts supporting young people in the area.

Group members Taylor Marie Stevenson and Danni O'Neill said it was a great honour. “Winning the award makes us feel proud.”

The Uniformed Services Award was presented by Glasgow Housing Association chairman Gordon Sloan to Govan Community Policing Team, whose hard work to engage with local people resulted in the successful ‘We are Listening Project’ and the creation of Govan Fair.

The Senior Award was presented to Alec Watt, who runs the Eagles Sports Club. Former social worker Alec is now in his 70s, but he continues to support the club. He received his award from Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Frank McAveety.

Erin Ryan, a YDance student who inspires her peers to get involved in dance, won the Young Award.

Chief Superintendant Andy Bates of Police Scotland presented the Sport Award to Active East who were inspired by the 2014 Commonwealth Games to create more opportunities for young people to get involved in physical activity.

Two special awards were presented on the night. Lord Provost Sadie Docherty presented two special awards on the night. The first was a Special Recognition Award for Evening Times Editor Tony Carlin, who left the newspaper earlier this year after six years at the helm.

The Lord Provost said Tony had worked “tirelessly for the people of Glasgow, campaigning for better services and raising funds for charities and organisations.”

The second award, presented in recognition of excellence in community service, was given to Beatroute, who encourage young people who might not otherwise have the chance to get involved in music by running tuition, recording and performance groups.

Project manager Jenny Reeve said: “We are so excited even just to be part of such an amazing celebration of community groups.”

Brian Winter, Group Manager for Scottish Fire and Rescue, presented the Health and Wellbeing Award to Common Wheel. The group runs bike-building and musicmaking workshops for people with mental illness or dementia, helping them develop their skills and meet new people.

Project manager Emma Razi summed up what the whole night had been about.

She said: “People don't join the voluntary sector to make lots of money - they do it because they love it and because they can make a difference. The thanks they get come from nights like this.”