GLASGOW'S north stars shone brightly as they were honoured for their contribution to community life.

Another eight winners joined our Community Champion hall of fame as they were presented with awards at North Glasgow College in Springburn.

Nominees and winners hailed from an area stretching from Kelvindale and Maryhill to Springburn and Robroyston.

High-profile guests included Lord Provost Sadie Docherty and representatives from Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The event was hosted by Graham Shields, assistant editor of the Evening Times, who said: "Tonight is about celebrating those individuals and communities who are the very lifeblood of communities across the north of Glasgow; the people who make this part of the city a better place to live and to work."

The first award was presented by the Lord Provost to the team judges felt had gone the extra mile to help others.

It went to Cook 'n' Care, a home-made meal delivery service that serves up more than 110 meals a day across north Glasgow to elderly and vulnerable people.

The group also organises 14 lunch clubs a week, as well as providing a laundry service.

Ronnie Rodden, 69, MBE, who set up Cook 'n' Care, said: "The people who volunteer for us are the salt of the earth. We couldn't do it without them."

The Individual Award was presented to Ahlam Souidi, who came to Glasgow as a refugee from Algeria 12 years ago.

Ahlam is renowned for her work in helping hundreds of refugees integrate into the community and also assisting victims of domestic abuse.

The 41-year-old said: "I feel so valued. I have fulfilled my biggest aspiration now. People ask me where I get my energy from. My father was very involved in helping his community. I wanted to follow in his footsteps."

A youth group that runs 13 activity classes a week was also honoured.

Young Peoples Futures, based in Possilpark, was presented with the Public Services Award. The group has also recently launched a community choir.

The award was presented by Councillor Jonathan Findlay, on behalf of Glasgow Community Planning, who praised the team for "ensuring young people are realising their potential".

Project manager Ann Lawrance said: "It is nice for the team to be recognised. The value of the work they do is invaluable."

Constable Dario D'Andrea and Group Commander Iain Goodlet were named joint winners of the Uniform Services Award.

Constable D'Andrea was recognised for giving up his free time to help asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable people settle into the community. He has been particularly praised for helping break down cultural tensions.

He said: "For me, the most rewarding feeling is when you get to know an area and people begin to trust you.

"A lot of these people have come from areas where they can't trust anyone."

Since he joined Strathclyde Fire & Rescue (now Scottish Fire and Rescue) 27 years ago, Group Commander Iain Goodlet has become a leading light in the north of the city for his work in reducing the number of fires.

He has also established partnerships with local agencies to improve the safety of residents.

Presenting his award, Gordon Sloan, chairman of GHA, said: "His work has helped bring the community closer together and has led to a 60% reduction in malicious calls, allowing the service to focus on emergencies."

Retired head teacher Jean Slimmon was presented with the Senior Award.

A member of Tron St Mary's Church for more than 30 years, she runs a drop-in club and English classes for asylum seekers and refugees in Balornock.

The 68-year-old, from Millerston, formerly taught in (now-demolished) Hawthorn Primary in Possil.

She said: "I am surprised and delighted to win but am only part of a much bigger project."

Councillor Allan Stewart presented the Health And Wellbeing Award to Pot Of Soup, which began as a way for young patrons of the Queen's Cross Youth Homelessness Service to eat more healthily by growing their own vegetables.

It is now a community project supplying hanging baskets to sheltered housing tenants.

The Sports Award was presented to Jamie Coll, a PE teacher at John Paul Academy, who set up a Soccer Academy at the school for pupils with a poor behavioural or attendance record. It has helped bring about a marked reduction in truancy rates and self-esteem.

Mr Coll, 26, of Milton, said: "I was nominated last year and that was an achievement in itself, but to win it this year makes me happy."

The final accolade of the evening, the Young Award, was presented to the Leadership MAX Group from John Paul Academy.

The group wrote, performed and filmed an alternative youth Nativity play, entitled The Nae-tivity, as part of a leadership programme.

They have raised more than £2000 for Oscar Knox, a Belfast boy who needed £250,000 to treat a rare cancer.

All the winners will be invited to a grand final in December at the City Chambers.

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk