THE BEST of the west was honoured last night at the second Glasgow Community Champion Awards ceremony.

THE BEST of the west was honoured last night at the second Glasgow Community Champion Awards ceremony.

The awards recognise groups and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities.

At last night's glittering event, more than 200 people turned out to celebrate those who selflessly serve Yoker and Scotstoun; Knightswood; Temple and Anniesland; and Blairdardie and Drumchapel.

Evening Times editor Donald Martin welcomed guests to a packed Drumchapel Community Centre.

Lord Provost Bob Winter and the city's fire chief, top police officer and west community planning partnership chairman handed out the awards.

The team award winner was performing arts group Team Pinewood, a group of more than 400 young people from the G15 area who get together to promote self-confidence through theatre.

Team Pinewood marked its 10th anniversary this year and has put on a host of successful shows. This year their panto will be their own take on Pirates of the Caribbean - Pirates of the Drumchapel-bean.

Strathclyde Chief Constable Steve House presented the award, saying: "This group successfully cuts across tribalism and provides young people with positive life choices."

Emma Clifford, 20, who has been involved with the team since it started, said: "We're really happy. The group is all run by volunteers and the kids put in so much work."

Robert Smith won the neighbour award for working tirelessly for younger and older people and refugees, providing social, educational and cultural opportunities at the LINKES project in Lincoln Avenue, Knightswood.

Robert was presented with his award by Councillor Paul Carey, chairman of the west board of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, and one of the judges who chose last night's winners.

Mr Carey said: "Robert's endless patience and organisational skills make him a great asset to his group. We need more people like you."

Robert said afterwards: "I'm delighted. I can't believe I was chosen."

The public service individual award went to school janitor Amos Parker for his work with generations of children at Scotstoun Primary.

Amos, who has worked at the school for 16 years, helps out with everything from local youth football to the annual Christmas Fair.

Brian Sweeney, chief officer of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, presented the award.

Mr Sweeney said: "Amos is a dedicated public servant. He's a friend and mentor to generation after generation of local children."

Amos said: "I feel great. I'm going to show this award to all the kids. I'd like to dedicate it to the children, they're all my children. Children are our future and we need to take care of them."

Linkwood Concierge won the team public service award.

The 10-strong team provides 24-hour security to 348 homes in three high-rise blocks in Linkwood Crescent in Drumchapel.

The Young Community Champion Award was presented to the proud and delighted members of the Temple Shafton Youth Project by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue chief Brian Sweeney	Linkwood Concierge won the Team Public Service award and received the trophy from Chief Constable Steve House	The Team Award went to performing arts group Team Pinewood and it was presented to them by Chief Constable Steve House	Tam Munro received the individual Award from Lord Provost Bob Winter on behalf of Jean Hill	The Neighbour Award was given to Robert Smith by community planning partnership chairman Paul Carey

They were honoured for acting above and beyond the call of duty to help their tenants, including providing a Christmas parcel to elderly tenants.

Concierge manager John Mechan, who was also nominated in the individual award category, said: "We just love looking after our tenants, they are the stars."

Temple-Shafton Youth Project won the Young Community Award.

Better known as The Hut, the project has been offering arts, crafts, computer and sports activities for 21 years.

The project, led by Paul Smith, helps young members through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and cleaning up the area as part of the Clean Glasgow campaign.

Mr Sweeney presented the award to representatives of the project and chairwoman Fiona McCallum said: "To be part of these awards is brilliant."

The winner of the individual award was Jean Hill, a cleaner who has run a youth club at Peterson Park Hall in Yoker for 20 years.

She was unable to attend the awards due to illness but hall co-ordinator Tam Munro accepted it on her behalf.

He said: "Jean is a wonderful person. She gives her all for her family and her community."

Evening Times editor Donald Martin said: "We all believe we need to recognise the heroes in our community. We all wanted to work together on this and I'm delighted the second of these awards evenings has gone so well.

"All of our finalists will go forward to an awards ceremony in the City Chambers in September 2009."

Lord Provost Bob Winter said: "These awards show Glasgow's citizens are making a real difference in improving the lives of others and their communities."