IN EVERY corner of Glasgow, Streets Ahead projects are improving our city, one street at a time.

Inspiring individuals, great groups and creative communities, all spurred on by our award-winning campaign, are slowly, but surely, helping to build a better city.

On June 13, the Evening Times, in conjunction with Clean Glasgow, will reward the people and projects behind some of these great initiatives.

There will be seven category winners: Best Clean-up Campaign; Best Environmental Initiative; Best Garden; Best Community Garden; Best School; Best Community Initiative and the Green Glasgow Business Award.

There will also be one Overall Champion chosen by the judges.

Reporter Ann Fotheringham tells the stories behind the contenders in the first two categories -

BEST CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN

JOHN WHEATLEY COLLEGE/LAMLASH NURSERY

AN EAST End nursery school garden trashed by vandals last year is blooming again, thanks to John Wheatley College's EVIP (Enhanced Vocational Inclusion Programme) construction students.

The team worked tirelessly to build everything from beastie boxes and compost bins to beautiful planters designed as boats, benches and tables.

With fantastic support from staff, children, parents, local fire crews and the wider community, plus a £4000 grant from Streets Ahead, the students have restored the garden to its former glory.

Head teacher Margot Sagan said: "We are very grateful for the support everyone has shown us – it has been incredible. Many of our children do not have a garden of their own at home, so this is really special to them."

Craig Hamilton, 15, from Carntyne, was one of the construction students involved in rebuilding the equipment.

"It was great experience for us because we did a lot of work in college and on site, where we met the kids and the staff," he said.

Nicola McKenzie, EVIP development officer, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their practical skills and to get out and help people who really need it.

"The work they have done is fantastic and we hope it will show the wider community that many young people do have a heart and are delighted to contribute to their community."

AFTER SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME (ASAP)

This charity was set up by Stephen Koepplinger, 43, from Maryhill, who moved to Glasgow 18 years ago from his native Ohio.

Driven by a determination that children and teenagers should have lots to do after school, he rallied local volunteers and started work on the derelict Maryhill Park tennis courts.

They have cut away trees, levelled the ground, planted flowers and started painting work. Dozens of local children now take part in ASAP's tennis coaching sessions after school.

Mr Koepplinger said: "It has been hard work, but the benefits for the whole community are enormous. We are hoping to start work now on the running track."

BALMORAL TERRACE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Fed-up with looking out on to overgrown, untidy grass, residents in Balmoral Terrace decided to do something about it.

They have tidied the grass, planted shrubs and flowers and are hoping to secure funding to restore the original railings to turn the strip of land into a community garden.

Tony Halifax, 66, who lives with wife Linda, said: "It has been a fantastic project, not just because it has made a big difference to the way the area looks, but because it has brought together residents who previously did not know each other.

"We have set up a residents' association and plan to hold a summer barbecue.

"I think it sends out a really positive message that people in Glasgow do care about their neighbourhoods."

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE

DUMBARTON ROAD CORRIDOR ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST

THE trust has helped communities clean up their area, create community gardens, help eco schools, recycle bikes and reduce carbon footprints in the nine years since it first opened its doors in Scotstoun, Yoker and Whiteinch.

Project manager Neil Lovelock and an enthusiastic team of volunteers and part-time staff have worked hard to make a difference to the local environment, bringing neighbours together and encouraging pride in their areas.

CHILDREN'S WOOD

The dedicated volunteers who helped turn derelict tennis courts into the Children's Wood at North Kelvin Meadow believe they have created something special for the young people of Maryhill and surrounding areas.

The wood, which sits beside the meadow, raised bed allotment and community orchard that was created and managed by North Kelvin Meadow, now welcomes thousands of people every year to assorted events and activities.

From storytelling and Hallowe'en parties, a reindeer parade at Christmas and the chance to simply play and explore with friends, the Children's Wood has boosted health and wellbeing, community spirit and healthy eating as kids get involved in growing and harvesting fruit from the orchard.

FORTUNE GARDEN

The people who tend and care for the Fortune Garden in Drumchapel are slowly, but surely, creating a service the community can be proud of.

Under the guidance of garden support worker David Stewart, the team – who all have learning disabilities – grow plants and flowers for local schools and day care centres. They also sell hanging baskets and planters to the public and hold local litter picks.

Mr Stewart said: "All the people who work in the Fortune Garden use Enable, the charity that supports people with learning disabilities. They work really hard and enjoy every minute of it.

"The project is still in its early days, but we think it has the potential to bring huge benefits to the community."