IT was a night to remember for dozens of local heroes as the Community Champions from Glasgow North West stepped into the spotlight.

Nominees, their friends and relatives raised the roof at Maryhill central halls and applauded the winners of the eight categories, who have all gone the extra mile to help their communities.

Hosted by Glasgow singing sensation Michelle McManus, the kind-hearted champions celebrated their success and enjoyed entertainment from pop princess Abbie O’Neill who wowed the audience with her phenomenal voice.

Kicking off the evening, Michelle said: “I am truly honoured to be here with you this evening because tonight is about you, the people who make this city great.

“These awards allow us and our partners an opportunity to honour and thank those individuals and groups who have worked to make the North West of Glasgow a better place to live, work and play.”

Crowds gathered for the third event of the seventh year of the awards which celebrate phenomenal local heroes across Glasgow.

Evening Times Executive Editor Rob Bruce, who co-hosted the awards, said there was “a great civic personality demonstrated by all of the award nominees here tonight and at all our other champions’ awards around the city”.

A veteran soldier, a principal teacher, a nurse and a former social worker were among the champions of the evening who were given top gongs for helping people across the North West, including in Kelvindale, Knightswood, Partick, Maryhill, Summerston and Yoker.

A roaring round of applause marked the announcement of the first winner of the evening, with Walk A Mile In Our Shoes (WAMIOS) receiving the Team award for their work helping parents of children with additional support needs.

The group acts as a support network for parents, who meet every week to share their experiences and tips on how best to support their children.

Marie King, one of the founders of WAMIOS said: "It has been such a surprise and very exciting.

"With the group I feel as if I can accomplish anything - you just feel it's unbelievable what has come out of the group."

Chris Woods, a veteran soldier who volunteers with North Glasgow Community Food Initiative, was crowned winner of the individual award for his outstanding efforts in creating a community garden and mentoring young people in the area.

Chris, 26, was joined by his co-workers, Mum and Dad who cheered with delight when his name was announced as the winner.

He said: "It's been a really big shock, I'm so surprised I won as I didn't expect to.

"I've never won anything like this before.

"Thanks to all my co-workers and my family who helped and supported me."

The third winner of the evening was Nikki Scott, the principal teacher of Oakgrove primary school, who scooped the Public Service gong.

Nikki succeeded in improving Oakgrove primary pupils’ fitness by creating afterschool clubs and including more sports in the curriculum.

Her work brought Oakgrove up from the bottom of the league tables to the top within two years.

The Uniform Services award was given to nurse Elaine Hamilton for her work at the Centre for Integrative Care at Gartnavel Hospital, while pensioner Alec Watt was awarded the Senior prize.

Elaine helps a range of patients find the correct homeopathic care but has been described as a “glowing example” of a nurse by always going the extra mile, giving patients her undivided care and attention.

Alec, a former social worker, set up the Eagle Sports Club to help people of all ages and backgrounds to become more active.

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Evening Times Executive Editor Rob Bruce crowned Erin Ryan the winner of the Young award for her work with dance group YDance.

The YDance student has thrown herself in to community projects during her time at the dance programme and has also run her own teaching classes at her school.

Joanne Clarke, who nominated Erin for the gong, said the 17-year-old had made a real difference to her peers and colleagues since joining the dance project in 2014.

Erin, who was joined by Joanne and a group of her friends, said: "It's just so cool, I'm so excited.

"I didn't know I was even nominated until I was told I was in the final, and all my friends and family have been so happy for me."

Common Wheel, a bike project which focuses on working with people with a variety of mental health problems including depression and dementia, was given the Health and Wellbeing gong by Bailie Jonathan Findlay of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership

Emma Razi, project manager at Common Wheel, said: "It's a great thing to be able to say that we have been recognised for our part in the community.

"It's very exciting, and we're really pleased."

The phenomenal Sapphire Gymnastics Club was crowned winners of the Sport award and raised the roof with their cheers.

The gymnastics club was started five years ago and has helped to encourage more than 150 people from some of Glasgow’s most disadvantaged areas to get involved in the sport.

Michelle McManus topped off the glittering evening by performing two songs for the audience who gave a final cheer before leaving the hall.