Youthwork, rehabilitation of offenders, support for veterans – our community champions tackle all of the big issues facing Glasgow.

Judges for the grand final – representing all of our campaign partners, Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, City Building and Glasgow Fort - found it a difficult task to choose winners from our exceptional heat champions.

Chairman of the judging panel, Evening Times deputy editor Henry Ainslie, said: “The standard of entries throughout 2018 was fantastic.

“It was great to have the opportunity to showcase all of our heat winners at the glittering Grand Final, and to reward some really outstanding individuals and groups from across the city.”

Jim Hymas, Local Senior Officer for Glasgow, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It always amazes me that so many people, who have spotted something is wrong, or unjust, step up and do something about it, rather than leave it for someone else.

“Even when they face massive challenges in their own lives, they still work hard to make a difference.”

Lawrence O’Neill, of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, said: “The entries in this year’s Young category particularly impressed me. Here are fantastic teenagers and young adults, prepared to give up their own time, to get involved in their community. They are what Community Champions is all about.”

Melanie de Andrades, of Glasgow Fort, said: “This has been my first year as a judge and I have been blown away by the quality of entries. These groups and individuals are outstanding in terms of the leadership they show in their communities, the way they take on big issues and are determined to change things for the better. They are truly inspiring.”

Superintendent Stephen Hazlett of Police Scotland paid tribute to the “outstanding” work being done across the city. He added: “It is very humbling for me, to hear about these success stories, and to be able to celebrate and reward our fellow Glaswegians who do so much for others. Hopefully our winners will inspire even more groups and individuals to get involved and we will be telling their stories here next year.”

Councillor Allan Casey, chairman of City Building said: “Glasgow’s sense of community is one of the city’s biggest assets. The standard of entries highlighting the dedication of our champions who are transforming and empowering our communities across all of Glasgow is inspirational and hopefully hearing these stories will create even more local champions across the City.”

Lord Provost Councillor Eva Bolander said the task of choosing winners for the grand final was “almost impossible.”

“It is always difficult, because each session reveals individuals and groups who do so much for this city, in so many different ways,” she added. “They are all very worthy winners.”