A RECORD number of Gold gongs were presented to pubs, clubs and entertainment venues at Glasgow's glittering Best Bar None awards last night.

And for the first time in history, Shettleston Juniors beat Rangers and Celtic - by securing a Gold award for their bar (in the Community pub category) over the bigger clubs Silver awards in the Specialist Entertainment category.

A total of 54 Gold awards were presented to venues in recognition of the work they do to enhance public safety and customer care in the city - the highest number of Golds gained during 11 years of the awards.

The Shed, gained a Gold after making their debut entry into the awards which were announced by television presenter Angus Purden at the Grand Central Hotel. The Shed was also voted Best Newcomer.

More than 80 venues entered this year's awards which recognise good practice in the city’s licensed premises. Venues from nightclubs to casinos, hotels, community bars and student unions were judged by an independent assessor who is a former police officer. The criteria included Prevention of Crime & Disorder, Securing Public Safety, Prevention of Public Nuisance, Promotion of Public Health and Protection of Children from Harm.

There was a full house of Golds in the Late Night Entertainment Category which included venues such as The Cathouse, The Social, The Polo Lounge and Hummingbird.

Overall Gold Awards were presented to Campus, The Allison Arms, Cafe Source Too, Queen Margaret Union, Yates, Deoch An Dorus and Blythswood Square Hotel.

Twenty-four Silver awards were presented to premises including Molly Malones, the Penny Farthing and the Sir John Moore. Bronze awards were earned by Stumps, The Hall and The Scotia Bar.

Bar Home in the Merchant City scored a hat-trick by bagging the People's Choice Award for the third year in a row.

Murray Thomson of Blythswood Square Hotel was named Premises Manager of the Year, the Society Rooms won the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service award, Armstrongs won the Best Training award, the Maltman earned the Apex Radio award and the Crystal Palace was the Most Improved Venue.

As well as organising the awards, Best Bar None Glasgow provides training for licensees on subjects including drug prevention, responsible drinking and crime scene preservation.

The initiative was developed in partnership with Glasgow City Alcohol and Drugs Partnership, Glasgow City Council, Community Safety Glasgow, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue and the Scottish Late Night Operators Association.

Councillor Bill Butler, Chair of Glasgow Licensing Board, said: “Glasgow’s thriving entertainment sector is a credit to the city’s licensees. It contributes hugely to Glasgow’s night-time economy and is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. The work done to enhance public safety and customer care is vital to ensure everyone has a great time while staying safe.

“These awards recognise professionalism and good practice in activities designed to ensure Glasgow remains a first class entertainment destination. And it is fantastic that a record number of venues achieved Gold awards this year.

“I know the awards are highly coveted because they enable customers to identify premises which are doing outstanding work in the licensed trade sector.

"Huge congratulations to all the winners. I'm sure their awards will be proudly on display in premises across the city very soon."

Winners of the overall Glasgow awards (which were scored highest in their categories) will now go on to compete in the Best Bar None Scotland national awards.

The awards are sponsored by Diageo, Heineken, Molson Coors, Tennents, Chivas Brothers and Maxxium UK.