SPORTING heroes from across Glasgow gathered for a ceremony to celebrate their contributions to sport at the Sportsperson of the Year Awards.

The ceremony was held at the City Chambers on Friday evening, hosted by radio presenter Brian Burnett and attended by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty.

The title of Sportsperson of the Year went to swimmer Ross Murdoch, 21, who rose to fame after winning in the 200m breaststroke during the Commonwealth Games and setting a new British record.

He said: "It's really good to come along here and get my sport, which is really close to my heart, some recognition.

"It means so much to have the support from Glasgow and the rest of Scotland, even so long after the Commonwealth Games."

Mr Murdoch said the award wasn't just for him, but for everyone who had supported him along the way.

In April he will be swimming to qualify for the British team so he can compete in the world championships.

Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: "Ross has had a remarkable year setting a number of Scottish and British records before stealing the show at Tollcross International Swimming Centre during Glasgow's Games.

"I don't think any of us will ever forget his smile when he realised the magnitude of his achievement. It didn't just light up Tollcross, it lit up an entire country."

The Evening Times Glasgow Young Sports Person of the Year award was picked up by karate star James Coulter, 16, who is ranked third in the world.

He said: "It's a bit of a shock to be honest, I won last year too and that was shocking but I'd say it's even more of a surprise to win two years in a row.

"Karate isn't the most recognised of sports, so it's great to get some recognition."

Maria Gibson won the Evening Times Glasgow Volunteer of the Year award, for her work at Dynamite Gymnastics Club.

Ms Gibson said she felt "embarrassed" when she was nominated because she felt she did not do "more than anyone else".

She said: "I'm really surprised and honoured to win, I'm only one of the volunteers at the club and there's a whole load of us who do a fantastic job running the club.

"I love doing what I do, so it doesn't seem like a chore.

"I absolutely enjoy being part of the club and it's a wonderful club to be part of."

Maria volunteers 30 hours a week, and spends six days a week at the club.

She is chairwoman of the committee, and is one of the directors and trustees at Dynamite Gymnastics club, which has recently become a charity.

Blind bowler Robert Conway, who is now semi-retired after a 25-year career, picked up the award for Evening Times Glasgow Disabled Athlete of the Year.

He said: "I'm absolutely over the moon, I didn't expect it, especially being up against the other two nominees.

"This is a busy year for me though, I've had a wee break since the Games because it was a lot of practice but I've got to defend my Scottish title.

"I'll be refreshed by the time the outdoor season starts in April."

Mr Conway was the first Scottish winner in lawn bowl singles for 32 years, and has achieved many wins during his career.

Boxer Charlie Flynn, also known as The Mailman, won Lord Provost's Award for his contributions to sport in 2014.

He said: "I'm overwhelmed, I only found out about this a few days ago and didn't even know I was up for any awards. I thought I was just coming along."

Councillor Archie Graham, gave a vote of thanks at the end of the evening and said: "2015 will continue to see Glasgow host events that attract people to this city."

This year Glasgow will be hosting the world gymnastic championships, the para swimming championships and the Davis Cup, which begins this Friday.