FROM dinner ladies to lollipop men - the unsung heroes helping keep Glasgow running are to be hailed at a glittering awards.

Some 15 gongs will be presented to people working across care services, facilities, hospitality and those who made a difference at the Commonwealth Games.

Held at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the awards will be presented by Jane McCarry - aka Still Game's Isa Drennan.

Winners will be chosen from a record 1457 nominations, which came in from colleagues, clients and the public.

Alexander Lowe is shortlisted for School Crossing Patroller of the Year, having worked the same patch - serving St Marnock's and Crookston primaries - for 10 years.

The grandfather-of-six became a crossing patroller when he retired from working as a security guard and before this he served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps for 22 years.

During his time in the Army Alex was posted overseas, firstly with the United Nations in Cyprus and latterly in Germany and various parts of England.

Alexander, a widower, is taking line manager Julie McNeil as his guest to the awards.

The 77-year-old said: "I'm really looking forward to attending the awards. I don't really like a fuss normally, but it's great to be recognised for doing my job.

"One of my colleagues Ronald, who is the janitor of Crookston Castle, was ribbing me for my nomination and invitation to the awards. He hadn't known at that time that he was also nominated, so it should be a fun night for the both of us.

"I really like my job and the kids are great fun. I like to keep busy and working as a crossing patroller gets me out of the house."

The shortlist is chosen from Cordia's 7,300 staff who are in the running for awards from Care Services; Facilities Management; Encore Hospitality Services;Management and Support; and Commonwealth Games.

June Healy, who has worked at Glasgow Caledonian University for 15 years as a Hospitality Representative, is well-known among her colleagues for her fund raising efforts.

Over the course of 2014 a whole range of activities were coordinated by June including, a ticketed-dance, home baking sales, stalls serving soup around campus and an auction of Christmas gifts which were given to staff.

But she first became inspired to collect money for Strathcarron Hospice after her son Jamie was diagnosed with cancer when he was 21, organising activities within the university to raise funds.

David Melvin, managing director of Cordia, said: "The Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards evening is a particular favourite of mine as it gives both our Board and the senior management team the opportunity to say thanks and to pay tribute to the hard-working people of Cordia, who deliver the organisation's many services across Glasgow and beyond.

"Our staff members play vital roles in the lives of thousands of Glaswegians each and every day and often go above and beyond in their duties.

"They are ambassadors of both Cordia and Glasgow.

"This was never more evident than during last year's unforgettable summer when the Commonwealth Games brought the city alive during 11 days of competition.

"Each and every award presented on the night is a fitting tribute to our winners, finalists and everyone who works with Cordia."