By CATRIONA STEWART

FAMOUS stars joined those who graft behind the scenes for a glittering evening celebrating Glasgow’s sports scene.

At Glasgow City Chambers last night, gongs were given to high achievers in the Sports Person of the Year Award.

Sir Andy Murray took home the top award, Sports Person of the Year, but volunteers and schools were also hailed.

Archie Graham, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chairman of Glasgow Life, said: “Last year was a remarkable year in Glasgow’s proud sporting history, both at a local and an international level - and tonight’s Sports Person of the Year Awards reflected just that.

“We recognised sport involvement and achievement at every level – from grassroots to the greatest sporting performances of the year.”

Last week we told how young kayaking star Natasha Lawton was up against rugby giant Gregor Townsend for Glasgow Coach of the Year.

And last night Natasha took home the gong.

It was a night for tennis stars as Gordon Reid took to the stage in the Chambers’s Grand Ballroom to pick up Evening Times Glasgow Disabled Athlete of the Year.

St Rose of Lima Primary School had to make two trips to the front of the room as they won both Glasgow Primary Sports School of the Year and the Lord Provost Award.

Some 200 people watched broadcaster Bryan Burnett host the gong show.

It was a second win for Sir Andy as he and brother Jamie won Sports Person of the Year in 2015. Other previous winners include swimmer Ross Murdoch, in 2014, and cycling great Sir Chris Hoy, in 2013.

The Service to Sport Lifetime Achievement Award went to William Smith, the 70-year-old founder of the Hillwood Boys Club, which has tackled sectarianism since 1966.

Mr Graham added: “Last year saw us host some incredible events, including a thrilling Davis Cup tie, the Homeless World Cup, and the unforgettable start to the Tour of Britain road race.

“But it’s not just about the high profile events – in the last year Glasgow has used sport to transform itself.

“Last year, junior membership of our Glasgow Club facilities went up to 21,000 which is an increase of more than 350 per cent since 2009.

“From our volunteers, schools and coaches who picked up awards tonight, as well as Sir Andy Murray, these awards were a brilliant celebration of the best sporting talent in the country, and gave us the opportunity to recognise the incredible efforts made by athletes across the country.”