THE FOURTH annual Streets Ahead awards lit up the People's Palace last night in a sparkling evening of sunshine and celebration.

More than 200 people cheered as South Seeds, who help local people live more sustainable lives through energy efficiency, composting and food growing, was crowned overall winner and best community initiative at the event, organised by Clean Glasgow.

The group's energy officer Casey Dickson said: "We're shocked to have won, as there are so many great groups here tonight. We're really proud of what we have achieved and we're delighted so many people in our community support us."

South Seeds was praised by the judges for its inspirational work across the south side, turning areas plagued by litter and flytipping into beautiful gardens and helping residents save money and eat healthily.

Evening Times editor Tony Carlin said: "South Seeds is what Streets Ahead is all about. Their hard work and dedication in bringing communities together and their commitment to making the south side a more attractive, environmentally friendly and healthier place to live are inspirational and I am delighted they are the overall winners tonight.

"But all of the groups here are winners.

"They help to create a city we can all be proud of, and one that is buzzing with community spirit."

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 campaign partners, Clean Glasgow, Glasgow Housing Association, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, ScotRail and City Charitable Trust presented the awards.

Bailie Allan Stewart said: "The Clean Glasgow campaign asks people to take pride in their city - and everyone here tonight has certainly done that. Streets Ahead and Clean Glasgow help to keep our city looking great."

Glasgow Housing Association chairman Gordon Sloan said: "GHA has a passion for creating better lives and a better Glasgow and the Evening Times Streets Ahead campaign ticks both those boxes."

Elaine Bell, head of corporate social responsibility for ScotRail said: "Being part of the judging panel was incredibly difficult as the standard of entries was so high. Everyone here tonight is a winner."

Lord Willie Haughey, of the City Charitable Trust, said: "The City Charitable Trust was set up to help people help themselves and there are so many great examples of that here tonight. It makes me proud to be Glaswegian."

Scottish Fire and Rescue group manager John McGarvey said: "Scottish Fire and Rescue are delighted to be part of the Evening Times Streets Ahead campaign - in my eyes, everyone here tonight is a champion."

West Glasgow Green Gym, who clean up local eyesores while getting fit at the same time, won best clean up campaign.

Organiser Wendy Cameron said: "We're incredibly proud of our volunteers who work so hard and we are delighted to have won tonight."

The best community garden award went to Woodlands Community Garden, a dynamic outdoor resource for education, community arts and biodiversity projects.

Manager Tim Cowen said: "Our most recent project is our community cafe, a different approach to a traditional foodbank, which has been really well received. We're glad we can make a difference."

Green Glasgow Business Award winners South West Community Cycles were praised by the judges for their dedication to providing safer cycling opportunities for the local community.

Cycling co-ordinator Andy McLean said: "It's really lovely to be part of this event, as you get to see the amazing work being done around the city. We were delighted just to be nominated."

Love Milton, a successful project in the north of the city which encompasses a zero-carbon selfbuild programme, community orchard, community garden and recycling schemes, won the Clean Glasgow Environmental Initiative. The group had been runner-up in last year's awards, so they were delighted to win.

Spokesperson Hannah Buss said: "Streets Ahead is a great campaign and it's brilliant to be part of it.

"We have built up our project from small beginnings and we are proud of what we have achieved. Now our aim is to secure £1m in funding for the first-ever environmental self-build community centre."

The best school category was won by Mount Florida Primary School and Parent Partnership, who embraced the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a fantastic legacy project.

Pupil Lois Gall, who is six, explained: "We made clay birds and a giant banner and everyone who saw it said it was lovely."

Headteacher Carole Neil said: "It was a fantastic team effort by parents, staff and pupils, transforming our community ahead of the Commonwealth Games and creating a lasting legacy."

The award for best garden went to Dora MacDonald, a great-grandmother from Drumchapel, who said she was "astonished" to win.

"I love working in the garden - as long as it's not raining," she said. "People comment on how lovely it is so it is nice to think it brightens up the local community."

The evening ended with a show-stealing performance by east end schools choir East40.