A charity that feeds thousands of the world's poorest children has been presented with Glasgow's highest honour.

Mary's Meals was one of nine organisations and individuals to receive an award from Lord Provost Bob Winter at a ceremony in the City Chambers.

They included bra tycoon Michelle Mone, Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane and Evening Times editor Tony Carlin.

The top award, the Loving Cup, was collected on behalf of Mary's Meals by television reporter Abeer McIntyre, the charity's lead fundraiser.

The Scottish charity, which has a base in Balmore Industrial estate, north Glasgow, runs school feeding projects in communities where poverty and hunger stop children gaining an education.

Set up in 2002, it now feeds more than 526,000 children every day in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Mary's Meals' chief executive Mr MacFarlane-Barrow said: "It never ceases to amaze me how Mary's Meals continues to gain support throughout the world and we are delighted to accept the Loving Cup.

"It is only through this support and the innate goodness of people who share our vision that every child in the world should receive at least one good meal in a place of education that Mary's Meals is now able to feed over half a million children every day and that we continue to grow."

Bra tycoon Michelle left school at the age of 15 with no formal qualifications, and is now co-owner of lingerie company MJM International.

After receiving her award, she said: "I'm so honoured at this incredible award from the city where I was born and bred."

Mr Winter said: "It is reported that when Michelle was a young teenager, her idols were not pop stars or film stars but business figures such as Richard Branson and she must be delighted she is now one of the UK's best known and most respected entrepreneurs."

Popular actor Robbie was also delighted to be honoured. He said: "I've been lucky to receive awards from around the world over the years but this recognition from the Lord Provost of my home city means so much to me."

Sheena Glass, director of the Glasgow Old People's Welfare Association where she has worked for 30 years, was presented with the special award for services to the elderly.

Mr Winter said: "Sheena brings a very human focus to all of her work and this includes the persuasive way in which she lobbies for improved services – a true champion of Glasgow's senior citizens in all she does."

Lawyer Raymond Williamson was presented with the award for culture.

He is Honorary President of the Scottish International Piano Competition, chairman of the board of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, past chairman of the Royal Scottish national Orchestra and the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

Mr Winter told him: "Your contribution to the cultural life of Glasgow has been sustained, diverse and immense."

The Lord Provost's award for health went to Professor Tessa Holyoake of Glasgow University, who is Professor of experimental haemotology and a director of the Paul O'Gorman Leukemia Research Centre.

Ian Drummond, former executive director corporate services at Glasgow City Council, was honoured with a public service award.

The award for education was presented to Professor Jim McDonald, principal of Strathclyde University since 2008.

Mr Winter said: "Professor McDonald has experience in both academia and industry and bringing these closer together and has a strong personal commitment to supporting gifted young people from disadvantaged backgrounds."

There was also a special award to the Evening Times editor Mr Carlin who was honoured for services to the media.

Mr Winter praised him for the introduction of community websites and the Community Champions award scheme.

He also singled out high-profile Evening Times campaigns including Ripped Off Glasgow, which challenges Glasgow's unfair treatment compared to Edinburgh, the Glas-goals fitness drive and the campaign against the deportation of Precious Mhango.

Mr Carlin said: "This is a wonderful honour and one for which I'm deeply grateful.

"It has been an enormous privilege to be part of the life of Glasgow in my 20 years at the Evening Times.

"I've been fortunate to enjoy the support of my family throughout that time along with one of the best journalistic teams in the country. This award is as much for all of them as it is for me."