"We are really proud to be here tonight, proud of our longevity and proud of all our volunteers helping to keep it going so young people have more opportunities to get involved.”

Tom Buik, secretary of SAPC Community Sports Hub, commended in the Sport category

“Glasgow Fort has always been active in its community and we are very proud to be associated with these awards. We are particularly proud to support the Young category, in this, Scotland’s Year of Young People.

Phil Goodman, centre director of Glasgow Fort

“What we have achieved is all down to our kids – we are hugely proud of them all, in getting involved in our sports clubs and inspiring their peers too. They spur each other on and 92 per cent of our 292 pupils are now involved in sport.”

Joe Woods, PE teacher, St Brigid’s Primary, finalist in the Sport category

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone here tonight, for all that they do for this city. These are the people who do the real hard work and these awards are a celebration of that.”

Bailie Russell Robertson, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership

“I’m really proud of my school, because we don’t just focus on ourselves, we want to help the nursery children, the parents and our community.”

Navya David, 11, pupil at Battlefield Primary, finalist in the Public Service category

“Tonight is a wonderful celebration of the fantastic community work that goes on in this city. As Area Commander for south west Glasgow, I hear daily about the good work happening on our doorstep and I’m delighted to be able to congratulate the finalists here tonight.”

Chief Inspector Alan Bowater, Police Scotland

“It’s great to be recognised for trying to make a difference in your community. People have been very positive about the service South Seeds provides and I’m proud of that.”

Casey Dickson, South Seeds energy officer, finalist in the Public Service category

“Scottish Fire and Rescue is a proud partner of these awards. People get to know us through high profile events, like the Sauchiehall Street fire, but it is through our community work, with smaller groups and schools, that our crews build up relationships with the people really making a difference. We appreciate the hard work carried out by all the finalists tonight.”

Garry MacKay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

“I’m so proud of my mum, the cushion queen! She has raised £83,000 for Accord Hospice by sewing and selling crafts, and she has inspired me in all my fundraising and community work too.”

Susan Wilson, daughter of Senior finalist Jan O’Neill

“It is really heartwarming to see what goes on in communities, the hard work carried out by people who don’t get paid for it and who don’t seek any recognition. This is the first year City Building has been involved in the awards and we have been blown away by the number and quality of entries. Everyone in this room is a winner.”

Gordon Sloan, Chairman of City Building

“I’m chuffed to be here, on behalf of the Lord Provost, to tell everyone in this room that it is people such as you, who make a difference to our city, every single day. I’m very proud of this city and everyone here tonight should be proud of the contribution you make.”

Bailie Norman Macleod, Glasgow City Council

“As a Shawlands girl for more than 20 years, I’m genuinely honoured to be here. It’s one of my favourite events, because it’s a chance to thank those individuals who work so hard to make our city a better place to live, work and play.”

Michelle McManus, event host

“Tonight is a celebration of the tremendous work done by people who work hard, not just for themselves or their friends and families, but for everyone. We tell Glasgow’s stories in the newspaper every day, but the stories we hear at Community Champions are truly special – these are the stories of the people who make Glasgow.”

Donald Martin, Evening Times editor

THE men and women who go the extra mile in difficult situations impressed the judges for the south heat of this year’s Glasgow Community Champions Awards.

Representatives of our partners – Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland, City Building and Glasgow Fort – were unanimous in their praise for all of the outstanding finalists.

Chief Inspector Alan Bowater said: “It is extremely heartening to see the work that is done by individuals and groups across the southside. They really go above and beyond, often in really challenging circumstances, to help others and that is very commendable.”

Stephen Dowling, of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, said: “I was particularly impressed by the calibre of entrants in the Young category. These young people are incredible, and a real inspiration to all of us.

“It is really heartwarming to see what goes on in communities, the hard work carried out by people who don’t get paid for it and who don’t seek any recognition. This is the first year City Building has been involved in the awards and we have been blown away by the number and quality of entries. Everyone in this room is a winner.”

Gordon Sloan, Chairman of City Building

Group manager Garry MacKay, of Scottish Fire and Rescue, said: “The Glasgow Community Champions Awards are a great opportunity to recognise those people who work so hard, seeking no reward for all that they do. They are inspiring, and by showcasing their achievements, it will hopefully encourage others to follow suit.”

Melanie de Andrades, retail support manager at The Fort shopping centre, said: “This is my first judging session for Community Champions, and it feels great to know there is such a giving spirit across the city.”

She added: “I was particularly impressed by the devotion and consistency of people in the Individual category.”

Evening Times deputy editor, and chairman of the judging panel Henry Ainslie, said: “What is most impressive about all of the finalists is that they look at areas that are not getting enough attention, and do something about it, whether it is veterans support, or addiction, or bereavement.

“They are really outstanding, and it is great to be able to give them a moment in the spotlight.”