City winners have street power!

Urban Roots, which won Best Environmental Initiative, was crowned overall winner at the event, organised by Clean Glasgow.

Chairwoman of the Urban Roots board, Mandy Evans Ewing, said: "We are gobsmacked but delighted to have won - it's a real tribute to everyone who works so hard.

"Streets Ahead has such spirit and energy, inspiring people everywhere to get involved and we're very happy to be part of it."

Urban Roots was praised by the judges for its fantastic work across the South Side, inspiring communities through gardening, conservation and biodiversity projects.

Evening Times editor Tony Carlin said: "Urban Roots are a fantastic example of how working together can bring enormous benefits to us all. They have inspired communities with their enthusiasm and innovative projects - they are a worthy winner.

"But all of the groups here are winners - it has been an uplifting evening, full of incredible people doing extraordinary things."

He added: "We're delighted to be able to support so many inspirational projects and we are looking forward to another year of Streets Ahead."

Representatives from our campaign partners, Clean Glasgow, Glasgow Housing Association, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, ScotRail and City Charitable Trust presented the awards, with up and coming choir, Rockus, providing the entertainment.

Friends of the River Kelvin (Fork), who have worked with many organisations to restore the river to its former glory, won Best Clean-up Campaign.

Fork volunteer Allan Twigg said: "Winning is fantastic, but tonight is about recognising what everyone in Glasgow is doing for their local areas."

The Best Community Garden award went to Little Roots, who have transformed derelict land at the back of Ruchill Community Centre into a beautiful space for families.

Volunteer Kirstie Birr said: "We're delighted. The garden has brought together families who would not otherwise have met - that's what it's all about for us."

The Green Glasgow Business Award winners, Gorbals Recycles, were praised by the judges for their dedication to improving the environment, including diverting an incredible 236 tons of domestic waste from landfill.

Scheme manager Moira Morrison said: "This started because we didn't have any recycling bins in our area, even though more well-off communities like the West End did.

"It seemed to suggest that poorer areas did not care as much - and we wanted to make sure people understood that wasn't the case.

"To be here is wonderful - a real testament to the work everyone has done."

Fair Deal HYG (Help Yourself Grow), a Castlemilk project which helps people with learning disabilities to grow in confidence through healthy living, won Best Community Initiative.

Support worker Jim Cloughley said winning had "made the millennium" for the group.

"Streets Ahead is a great campaign, all about inclusion, and it's great to be part of it," he said.

The Best School category was won by Hillhead Primary's eco squad and eco committee, who carry out regular litter picks and recycling collections.

Pupil Cole McLeod, 11, said: "We like the fact we're making the city better."

Best Garden winners, Deirdre and George Cartledge were unable to attend the prize-giving night at the Winter Garden, but GHA representatives collected the award on their behalf.

ann.fotheringham@ eveningtimes.co.uk