THREE Glasgow charities - two of which are Evening Times Community Champions - have been named among the best in Scotland.

Toonspeak Young People's Theatre was named Charity of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards.

The Caravan Project picked up the Celebrating Communities award, and the Coalition for Continuing Care came top in the Cracking Campaign category.

Toonspeak, a former Community Champion, provides free creative activities for young people.

Director Jasmine Maine said: "We are thrilled to win.

"We thank our staff, volunteers and board for all their hard work in making our organisation even better over the last year.

"But most of all, thanks to all our talented and imaginative young participants who really make Toonspeak Young People's Theatre."

The Caravan Project, which is also an Evening Times Community Champion, provides respite holidays to families living in poverty in the north-west of Glasgow.

Development officer Jamie Mallan, said: "Being a finalist alongside so many well-known, well-respected and hard-working charities has been incredibly flattering.

"Winning the award is testament to the hard work, dedication and pragmatism of our volunteers.

"It goes to show even the small charities can have a big impact on society."

The Coalition for Continuing Care is made up of Glasgow-based WhoCares? Scotland, Barnardo's Scotland and Aberlour child care trust.

It won the campaign award for its push for better support for care leavers in the Children and Young People Bill.

Mark Ballard, head of policy for Barnardo's Scotland, said: "We would not have been able to achieve this transformation in the support we give to vulnerable young people without the dedication and hard work of the three partner organisations and the positive and successful relationships built with MSPs and the Scottish Government.

"We are even more delighted that young people who have been through care were at the forefront of this hard work. This is their success and they truly deserve it."

Shulah Allan, convener of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: "All of this year's finalists are remarkable examples of how Scotland has one of the most vibrant and innovative third sectors in the world.

"The awards are all about celebrating the endless energy these people channel into making Scotland a better place to live."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk