HUNDREDS gathered to honour the nominees in the third Glasgow Community Champion Awards.

HUNDREDS gathered to honour the nominees in the third Glasgow Community Champion Awards.

The awards celebrate groups and individuals who dedicate their lives to improving their communities.

At last night's event in the Destiny Church, Shawlands, more than 200 people turned out to praise those who work tirelessly in Pollokshields West, Pollokshields East, Greater Gorbals, Shawlands, Strathbungo, Toryglen and Govanhill.

Herald & Times Editor-in-chief Donald Martin welcomed Lord Provost Bob Winter, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Chief Brian Sweeney and Strathclyde's Chief Constable Steve House to the celebration.

The team award winner was the Active Life Club, a Govanhill group founded in 1999 to mix young people from different cultures.

Youngsters are given the chance to take part in sports, leadership training and complete Prince's Trust qualifications.

The group fought off more than 50 other nominations - more than has been received for any other category - to scoop the prize.

Accepting the award from Lord Provost Bob Winter, founder Raza Sadiq said: "We have helped hundreds and hundreds of children over the years and are so pleased to be recognised for our work.

"The group is run by volunteers so it's great they are given this recognition."

Blanche Tinney took the individual award for working on ten local committees including Southside Festival Steering Group, Gorbals Youth and Community Theatre and Gorbals Local Housing Association.

The 84-year-old has been striving to improve her local area since the 1980s - but still claims she is undeserving of recognition.

Blanche said: "I'm just a loud mouth and a keen pair of hands. If something needs to be done, then tell me what to do and I'll do it.

"I don't think I deserve an award for my work. I'm just very nosey and like to know what's going on - but when you get to my age that's allowed!" Blanche was presented with her award by chief constable Mr House.

Fire chief Mr Sweeney presented the neighbour award to a stunned Lisa Peebles.

Mr Sweeney told the crowd how creating a sense of community is a cause close to his heart and praised Lisa for her tireless work in East Pollokshields.

He said: ""Everyone would love to have a neighbour like Lisa and she deserves the recognition tonight."

Lisa began campaigning three years ago when she was asked to consult with GHA on the St Andrew's Drive deck access flats in Pollokshields.

Since then the 35-year-old mum-of-two has become a community councillor and is passionate about improving health and housing.

Lisa said: "I just think of myself as a mammy so it's amazing to think people have nominated me for doing something special."

Councillor Anne Marie Millar presented the award for best public service team to Pollokshields Community Policing Team.

The unit have made improvements to the Pollokshields, Shawlands and Strathbungo neighbourhoods, in particular in targeting speeding drivers.

Constable Paul Wilson accepted the trophy, saying: "We're just doing our job. It is an honour."

Mr Martin presented the public service individual award to cleansing supervisor Andy Carberry who tackles littering, fly-tipping and street cleaning.

The 56-year-old began as a street sweeper 31 years ago and helped with the Clean Glasgow campaign.

Andy said: "I'm lucky to have a great team working for me. I owe it all to them."

The young community champion award was presented to pupils from Hollybrook School for their environmental work.

Mr Sweeney handed over the trophy, saying: "Young people often get a bad press when the majority are excellent children and young people.

"Armed with plants, seeds and bulbs, these pupils go to Queen's Park Station and brighten it up for commuters. They work tremendously hard."

Alastair Blair, a sixth year pupil at the special needs school, said: "It's brilliant to be nominated but we work hard."

MSP Frank McAveety praised the dedication of our community heroes.

Mr McAveety said: "I am delighted at the individuals and community groups that are working to help the South Side. It is great to see the Evening Times praising the work they do."

The Lord Provost ended the ceremony by saying: "It has been a great event.

"It is wonderful to learn of the sorts of individuals and neighbours and public servants who are going the extra mile to help their communities."