I went on to be overall winner for Glasgow at the awards at the City Chambers in December last year.

I can't thank you all enough for this honour. After receiving this award, I received an invitation from Buckingham Palace to the Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

If it had not been for the Evening Times running the Community Champion Awards I would never have been invited to attend such a special occasion.

I'd like to thank you and your team for highlighting the good work that the ordinary people of Glasgow do and allowing me to be part of a special celebration.

John O'Hara, Public Service Individual Award Winner 2011

Think of docs

I READ with interest your article on smoking outside Yorkhill Hospital. I work in the NHS, am a non smoker and am appalled when I see this going on.

One of my colleagues who is battling leukemia was an inpatient in the Beatson and, on every visit I made, there were always patients outside having a cigarette.

Some were attached to drips, obviously having chemotherapy. Smoking has been a contributory factor to their illness.

Do they not stop to think the cost of their treatments, or how the specialists who are doing their best to help feel?

E Bowers Via email

Uplifting plea

I MUST highlight the inefficiencies of Glasgow City Council bulk uplift service. I requested an uplift of a three-piece suite by calling the council telling them it that had been fly-tipped.

I was told I would need to wait four weeks. Meanwhile, it will disintegrate and be a magnet for other fly-tipped items.

C'mon, Glasgow City Council fix this service.

Mr Clean Via email