POWERFUL, remarkable people – the judges for the Grand Final panel were “deeply impressed” by all who made it on to the shortlist.

Representatives of our partners – Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and Glasgow Community Planning Partnership – met to whittle the heat winners down to a final shortlist.

And they admitted it was not an easy task.

Last night, they were delighted to award prizes to the winners.

Lord Provost Councillor Eva Bolander said: “It was a very difficult, but inspiring job to do.

“Having to choose the winners from such an excellent collection of finalists was hard, but we have decided upon some very worthy winners.”

She added: “I had the extra-special task of choosing a Lord Provost’s award, and the reason I chose Selina Hales was because she is having an impact both locally and globally.

“Her work welcoming refugees to our city has been inspiring.”

The Lord Provost was also impressed by Health and Wellbeing winner Steven Thomson, the Homeless Barber.

“This is a very powerful thing, to take a group of people often considered outside a community and bring them inside the community,” she said.

Chief Superintendent, Brian McInulty, of Police Scotland said: “As police officers, we often see the uglier side of life – these community minded unsung heroes in this room tonight restore my faith in people.

“These are people doing things not because they have to, but because they want to and enjoy it - it’s incredible.”

Bernadette Hewitt, Chairperson of Glasgow Housing Association, said: “This was my first time at a Grand Final judging session and it is absolutely fantastic to see the breadth of great work happening all over the city.

“I was particularly impressed by Family Addiction Support Services.

“These people deal with the uglier side of the big issues that affect Glasgow and they do a tremendous amount of work not just for those struggling to cope with addiction but for their families too – the silent sufferers, the ones who have suddenly been catapulted into a significant caring role.”

She added that Abercorn Secondary, who won the Young Award jointly with Megan Johnston, stood out for her.

“Here are hardworking, creative, clever pupils, who despite having their own challenges to deal with, are having a positive impact on their community,” she said.

“Like everyone who wins here tonight, they are doing work which is so important and so uplifting. It’s a real joy to see that.”

Bailie Russell Robertson, chairperson of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership said: “I have been humbled and overwhelmed by what I have heard and seen here tonight – I will take it all away and use it in my wider work across the city.

“What a fantastic group of people, making a difference to lives all over Glasgow. It is very heartwarming.”

Evening Times Editor Graham Shields said: “There were so many worthy winners this year, but for me Fuse, who won the Team category, really summed up everything that’s great about Community Champions.

“It’s a wonderful example of how teamwork in an area where previously there wasn’t too much for young people to do, can really make a big difference.”

Jim Hymas, Local Senior Officer, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It is obvious Glasgow is a community-spirited city.

“But for those of us who work in the emergency services, the work being done by our Community Champions has a real impact and we can see that every day, in everything from reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour, to positive impacts upon health and wellbeing.

“It was very difficult to separate people in each category – they are all first class.”