who are the people who make Glasgow great?

It's the fifth, and final, stage of our 2012 Community Champion Awards and we need YOU to tell us about the amazing individuals, the top teams and outstanding organisations at the very heart of local life.

From school children to the young-at-heart, this army of unsung heroes make their mark on your corner of the city in a positive and inspiring way.

They may campaign for better services, promote and support healthier lifestyles, or be a fundraising phenomenon. Maybe it's the public sector staff who always go the extra mile or a police officer or firefighter who you trust to keep your neighbourhood safe.

Friend, family member, work colleague or neighbour, they're the people who bring sunshine to the lives of others and believe in changing the world around them.

Quite simply, they have community spirit by the bucketload! So who is best in the South West?

This is your chance to pay tribute to the people and projects from areas including Cathcart, Corkerhill, Crookston and Craigton to Pollok, Pollokshaws, Priesthill and Penilee.

A judging panel comprised of representatives from our award partners – Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership and Glasgow Housing Association – will whittle down the entries to a shortlist of finalists who will be revealed at an awards ceremony on October 3.

The eight winners from South West, along with winners from four other events that have already taken place across the city, will be invited to a prestigious grand final at the City Chambers in December.

Last year, hundreds packed into Govan's Pearce Institute to see the South West winners named amidst plenty of foot stamping and cheering.

South West Community Transport, which was set up in 2004, took home the team award for their provision of affordable transport to local groups.

Winner of the individual award, Margaret Leitch, was described as a "true community champion". Chairwoman of SWAYED (South West Area Youth Engagement and Diversion) young work organisation, which she also helped to establish, she was a Children's Panel member of 26 years.

Housing officer Andy Elliot won the Public Services Individual award for his support in the creation of the Craigton Residents Action Group and helping them secure funding for a centenary garden at Craigton Primary.

South West Active Schools were thrilled to win the Public Services Team award for their work in engaging with local people as well as national and regional organisations to deliver sport and physical activity opportunities.

The Health and Wellbeing award was presented to Park Villa Football Development for creating a great legacy in the community. The club uses football as a means of providing health and learning for adults and productive activity for young people, which introduces them to concepts such as fitness, teamwork, self esteem and discipline.

Elizabeth Bashir, who won the Senior award, was described as an "ambassador for Glasgow" for her involvement in neighbourhood and housing projects.

Last year's Young Community Champion Award had two recipients. The individual award went to Kyle Thornton, the youngest community councillor in South West Glasgow and a member of YSpeak (SW youth community reference group.) Fourth year pupils at Lourdes Secondary School were winners of the Young Team award for their Help an Old Age Pensioner campaign, where they helped residents in Nazareth Care Home embrace new technology, and in turn, helped to bring senior and young communities together.

This year, two new categories have been created.

Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the Sports Community Champion award has been introduced to recognise those working at grassroots level to encourage participation in sport and improve the fitness of Glasgow's citizens.

The Uniform Services award will recognise an extraordinary team or individual from the uniformed services. They may have gone above and beyond the call of duty or make an outstanding contribution to help those they serve.

Nominate online at www.eveningtimes.co.uk or by email: community champions@eveningtimes. co.uk You can also call for a copy of the nomination form on 0141 302 7407.

Closing date for entries is Thursday, September 13.

Community Champion Team Award

For teams between the ages of 18 and 60

Awarded to a local group of volunteers who make a difference to their community by improving amenities or raising the quality of life for local residents.

Community Champion Individual Award

For individuals between the ages of 18 and 60

This award will be presented to someone who, by giving up their free time, has made a significant contribution to other people's lives or to their community.

Public Services Community Champion Award

To reward a public service team or individual who demonstrate an outstanding contribution to help those in the community. They will have gone that extra mile and demonstrated a "can do" attitude.

Uniform Services Community Champion Award

This new category will recognise an extraordinary team or individual from the uniformed services. They may have gone above and beyond the call of duty or make an outstanding contribution to help those they serve.

Senior Community Champion Award

We are looking for a local hero or team from the 60 and over age group who, after many years of hard work, continues to devote much of their time to helping other individuals or groups in their community.

Health and Wellbeing Award

Awarded to recognise groups or projects which promote the improvement of health and wellbeing within their communities. It could be an initiative which promotes healthy lifestyles or provides support to help people stop smoking. Or it may be a project which offers advice, counselling and support for those with health issues.

Young Community Champion Award

This will reward a group of young people or an individual aged 17 or under. They may have made a difference to their community or have inspired others through their achievements in fundraising, campaigning on issues important to young people, representing their school or community or by helping others realise their potential.

Sports Community Champion Award

Glasgow will be the proud host of the Commonwealth Games in 2014. This category has been introduced to recognise those working at grass roots level to encourage participation in sport and improve the fitness of Glasgow's citizens. It could be a club which promotes sporting, social and recreational opportunities. Or it may be an outstanding coach who inspires people in the community to be more active. This category is open to all charity, voluntary or public organisations, community groups, and individuals.