UNSUNG heroes from every corner of the city had their moment in the spotlight last night at the Glasgow Community Champions Grand Final.

The banqueting hall at the City Chambers played host to the most uplifting awards do of the year, run by the Glasgow Times in association with Glasgow Fort and supported by Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow Housing Association and Trades House of Glasgow, Around 300 people filled the wonderful venue to pay tribute to our 2019 stars. Busking four-piece Sara N Junbug, plus young stars from Angela McCallum School of Music, provided the entertainment, and sports presenter Amy Irons was the fantastic host.

Ten awards were presented on the night, including the Lord Provost’s Special Recognition Award which went to Elaine Leitch, founder of women’s running club Jiggly Joggers, which is now a well-known and much-loved part of the East End community.

The Team Award went to Castlemilk Youth Complex, which has revolutionised youth work in the area, giving hundreds of young people a range of opportunities and restoring a great sense of community spirit to Castlemilk.

Callum Hutchsion of Braveheart Industries won the Individual Award for his inspirational work on an innovative mentor support programme, and Men Matter Scotland, which supports men at risk from social isolation and mental health problems, won the Public Service Award.

The Senior Award was presented to Musical Memories, an innovative dementia project at Springburn Parish Church, and resourceful nurse Sarah Everett, who set up Men’s Shed Govan, won the Uniformed Services Award.

Govan High’s Gardening Team won the Young Award after creating a safe space for young people to “de-stress” at the school.

The Sports Award was presented to Wheelchair Rugby Sevens, a club set up by Adam Mould to give those with mental health issues and disabilities the chance to enjoy sport, and the Health and Wellbeing award went to Addaction’s gardening project, Roots to Recovery, which is co-produced with people battling addiction and mental health issues.

Baby Loss Retreat, which provides support to parents who have lost a child to stillbirth or neonatal death, was given a commendation in this category.

Frank McArdle from St Roch’s Ceilidh Band was named Teacher of the Year for his inspirational work at the helm of St Roch’s Secondary’s legendary ceilidh band.

Don’t miss Monday’s Glasgow Times for a special eight-page souvenir pull-out with more pictures and reaction from the night.