THEY are the people who make the South East sparkle.

Today we can reveal the finalists for the third stage of the Glasgow Community Champion Awards 2013.

More than 200 people are expected to descend on the Castlemilk Community Fire Station this evening to honour their neighbourhood heroes.

The free ceremony is a chance to meet the shortlisted groups and individuals – and to chat to the people making decisions that affect the area stretching from Greater Gorbals and Pollokshields to Castlemilk and Carmunnock.

Budding singer Stephen McLaughlin will perform two songs at the ceremony which will see winners across eight categories join our illustrious hall of fame for good citizenship.

We received more than 40 nominations this year from readers who told us about the people making a difference to their lives.

These were whittled down to a shortlist by a judging panel of representatives from the awards partners, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and your Evening Times.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty, who represents Linn ward, said: "Choosing winners is never easy. I am certainly looking forward to meeting everyone, many of whom will be familiar to me, and hearing their stories."

Here are the finalists in contention for the trophies and runners-up certificates.

TEAM AWARD

The volunteers of ARDENGLEN HOUSING ASSOCIATION SOCIAL COMMITTEE have transformed a run-down, disused church hall and brought it back into the heart of the community.

More than 9500 people last year took part in activities organised by the committee, including bingo, zumba, IT classes and parent and toddler groups.

The green-fingered members of CASTLEMILK GARDENING CLUB promote horticulture in King's Park through organising an open day, school visits and affordable plant sales.

The club's two large greenhouses, glass-covered beds and allotment spaces are managed by a dedicated team of retired volunteers.

THE HAVEN COFFEE SHOP at Cathcart Old Parish Church provides hospitality to people from all over the city. Since it was launched in 1998, the coffee and book shop, which is led by volunteers, gives all generations a peaceful place to meet.

INDIVIDUAL AWARD

Local businessman CAMERON DUNCAN has been actively involved in Castlemilk Family Day for the last five years. The funeral director is also treasurer of the Lost Lives project and was instrumental in providing the people of Castlemilk with a memorial garden.

Despite being just 18 years-old, JAMIE LEIGH ROBERTSON manages to combine her full-time studies and be sole carer for her mother. She has recently become a prominent voice for young people through volunteering at Castlemilk's Jenniburn Centre.

YOUNG AWARD

A litter picking campaign has been organised by HAMPDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL for the last two years. Pupils, who have complex learning needs, participate in a class rota system, which helps maintain and clean up the streets around Oatlands.

INDI YOUTH is a youth-led service that encourages kids aged between P7 and 16 years old in Castlemilk to openly discuss issues affecting their lives. Its young members have created a short film, fundraised for Children in Need and get involved in community events.

Two pupils from Castlemilk High School complete the Young Award finalists.

JASMINE CLARK, a volunteer at Castlemilk Youth Complex, is described as an asset to the school through her hard work, manners, attitude and involvement in projects that benefit others.

In addition to taking part in a humanitarian trip to Uganda, her extra-curricular activities have included organising the prom and being a buddy to S1 pupils.

CAROLINE McKINLAY, meanwhile, is described as an outstanding pupil and individual for finding new ways for staff and pupils to enjoy their time and build relationships. She helps run a lunchtime club for vulnerable S1 and S2 pupils and organises after-school games sessions for her peers.

SENIOR AWARD

Castlemilk's WHITE HEATHER CLUB is a senior citizen's group that has been going strong for 56 years, giving members something to look forward to every Thursday afternoon from September to April. Its committee organises tea afternoons, entertainment and companionship for elderly residents.

Former Take The High Road scriptwriter MAMIE LANG established Mamie's Weans Drama Group in Castlemilk 13 years ago. More than 60 young people attend the weekly group, with many young people going on to roles in River City and Waterloo Road.

JOHN McLEOD has been offering coaching, support and encouragement to budding footballers for more than 20 years. A landscape gardener by day, he volunteers twice a week to coach Croftfoot United Football Club and regularly spots potential in players.

UNIFORM

SERVICES AWARD

CASTLEMILK FIRE CREWS and TEEN ZONE YOUTH COMMITTEE set up a partnership last year to build relationships between the fire service and local youths. They work together to develop youth initiatives and activities, including football and dance and they transformed a derelict football pitch through a litter pick-up.

CONSTABLE MICHAEL FLETCHER is credited with driving down crime in the Greater Gorbals area through alternative policing methods.

He works with New Gorbals Housing Association to make parents more responsible for their children's anti-social behaviour, while a pilot scheme with Barlinnie Prison brings youths face-to-face with offenders to learn about the reality of prison life.

The crews of the WATER RESCUE TEAM at Polmadie and Knightswood community fire stations are responsible for providing a round-the-clock emergency response for Glasgow.

In addition to identifying potential risks, the rapid response team have a daily presence on the River Clyde and provide safety boat coverage at major events.

HEALTH AND

WELLBEING AWARD

HELP YOURSELF GROW EXPERIENCE develops gardening and cooking skills in people with learning disabilities. It encourages participants to grow in confidence, build positive relationships and contribute positively to community life.

THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES HOSPICE is nominated in its 30th year since opening its doors. It provides palliative care to people with terminal illness and support for their families. Around 1000 new patients annually will access its clinical, emotional, social and spiritual care.

SPORT AWARD

The BADMINTON TEAM of CASTLETON PRIMARY SCHOOL has represented the school at a number of competitions arranged by the Glasgow Schools Badminton Association. Meeting several times a week, the team has demonstrated team spirit and fair play while competing against schools across Scotland.

VICTOR FRANCISCO-SUAREZ brought touch rugby to Glasgow in 2007 – and can now count almost 200 registered players among its ranks.

The Glasgow Lions, who train twice a week and play social games on Saturdays, aims to promote the minimal contact sport through free coaching sessions for men and women regardless of age, experience or ability.

Former Riverdance professional Jordan Osborne, together with her sisters Jocelyn and Jodie, teach dozens of youngsters every week at the OSBORNE ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE. The Castlemilk-based school promotes good health and exercise for children aged three and over. The academy sent 10 members to compete at the World Championships in Boston in March.

PUBLIC

SERVICE AWARD

Ahead of her retirement, Indigo Childcare Group employee DRINA ANDERSON has been nominated for her hard work, and for almost 20 years of dedication to the local community. She has been involved in the Castlemilk CCEC play scheme, the Castlemilk Fayre, Lost Lives, Castlemilk Family Day, Winterfest and leading a walking group.

The staff of Annette Street Primary believe their janitor ROBERT DALZIEL goes well above and beyond the call of duty in maintaining a safe and fun envi- ronment.

In addition to leading basketball and football at break times, he is a key ambassador for recycling and wildlife issues, helping to earn the school an unprecedented five Green Flags in the Eco-Schools programme.