The Glasgow Community Champion Awards aim to praise the hidden heroes who make a difference to the people in their area.

And hundreds gathered at the St Francis Centre in the Gorbals to cheer on our champs from Pollokshields West/East; Greater Gorbals; Shawlands and Strathbungo; Toryglen; and Govanhill.

Lord Provost Bob Winter and Ruaraidh Nicolson, Assistant Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, joined Evening Times Editor Tony Carlin to hand out the honours.

They were helped by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Chief Officer Brian Sweeney and Councillor Anne Marie Millar.

Mr Winter presented the first gong, the Team Award, to Great Gardens, a group which offers horticultural training to young people struggling to find work after finishing school.

Ian Borthwick, who has worked with the group for six years, said they were thrilled to be recognised.

He said: “Govanhill Health Centre’s garden is probably the project I’m most proud of but we’ve provided many plots in the south side over the years.

“The work we do is really important, I believe, but it’s been great to be nominated tonight. We’re really chuffed.”

Next up, Mr Sweeney presented the Individual Award to a shocked Patricia Dooley.

Patricia, a well-known community and housing activist in Toryglen, is always on call for anyone who needs her help or advice.

She said: “I was pretty nervous about tonight but excited as well. It’s great to be recognised for my work, but I never expected to win.”

Local councillor Mrs Millar took to the stage to introduce the three finalists in the Public Service Individual Award.

Despite there being a trio of strong candidates, the winner was PC Donna Smith.

She has helped reduce disorder and vandalism in the Greater Gorbals area and has also established strong links with local primary schools.

I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done in local schools, getting to know young people and being there to help with their problems,” she said.

“It’s great to have that acknowledged.”

Mr Nicolson presented the Senior Award to former city councillor Jimmy Mutter for his tireless work in the development of New Gorbals.

Even though he’s long retired, the 75-year-old is still active in the community.

Jimmy said: “I was a councillor for 23 years and I stood on a promise that I’d help the regeneration of the Gorbals.

“The area was a mess when we started but it’s seen massive change and I can look at it with pride now.”

Southside Central Community Policing Team took the Public Service Team Award, for their work cutting crime and vandalism.

PC Christy-Lee Coulter, speaking for the team, said: “Just being a constant presence in the area has done a lot of good.

“We’re proud that’s helped cut gang and drink-related problems.”

Fire chief Mr Sweeney came back to the stage to present the final trophy of the night -- the Young Award.

Cheers erupted when Shawlands Dance Group were announced as the winner, although Mr Sweeney declined to strut his stuff with them.

The noisy dance group leapt on to the stage to grab their award, given for their ethos of teaching youngsters tolerance, healthy living and confidence.

Founder Huma Abbasi said: “The dance group gives the young people skills they can use in later life as well as keep them fit and active.

“It’s wonderful to have won tonight.”