AROUND 200 people celebrated the selfless efforts of local heroes at a packed Community Champions ceremony in Glasgow's West End.

The glittering event last night was the seventh in a series of community nights hosted by the Evening Times which this time paid tribute to the work of groups and individuals in Central and West Glasgow.

Local heroes in the city centre, Merchant City, Yorkhill, Anderston, Hillhead, Woodlands, Broomhill, Partick, Hyndland, Dowanhill, Anniesland, Jordanhill and Whiteinch were all represented at the bustling event in Partick Burgh Halls.

The first honour to be handed out was the Team Award for groups who give their time to help others in the community.

The award, presented by Lord Provost Bob Winter, went to the team from Radio Lollipop who provide music, entertainment and requests for patients at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Yorkhill.

A delighted Rik Devlin, who accepted it on behalf of his volunteer team, said: "To get an award for behaving like big kid, you can't ask for anything more. It's a licence to go daft. The kids love it."

The Individual Award recognised someone who has made a significant contribution to other people's lives or to their community by giving up their free time.

As with all categories, there were three finalists -but only one winner.

Margaret Khan, chairwoman of Garnethill Community Council and Garnethill Multicultural Centre received her award from Strathclyde Police assistant chief constable Hamish Cormack.

Margaret, of Garnethill, a long-standing member of the local area committee, said: "I don't even know who nominated me - it was quite a shock to win. It's my birthday tomorrow, I'm 73, so I've got two reasons to celebrate now."

The Glasgow Community Champion Awards brings together Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Strathclyde Police and the Evening Times.

A total of 60 winners from 10 areas will be invited to a gala final at Glasgow City Chambers in October where the overall Community Champions will be crowned.

The Public Service Individual Award was won by John Campbell, who runs Hillhead High School Basketball Club.

Brian Sweeney, chief officer at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, who presented the award, said: "The legacy of what John has created at the club is the opportunity for young people to not only develop their sporting skills but also their social and interpersonal abilities."

The Neighbourhood Award, again a hotly-contested field, was won by "Mrs Townhead" Betty Dougan, who Councillor Gordon Matheson said was "a formidable community activist" who people should be afraid of! Betty, 64, said: "I'm delighted, it makes all the work worthwhile."

Herald and Times Group Content Editor Tony Carlin, presented the winning Public Service Team Award to Glasgow Old People's Welfare Association.

He said: "We are grateful for the commitment you have shown to Glasgow's senior citizens over the last 60 years."

Sheena Glass, 79, of the organisation said: "I think we were nominated because we are just so well known throughout Glasgow."

The night drew to a close with colourful performance from The Women's World Rhythm Dance Class.

And the final Young Community Champion Award went to Youth Voices, a project based at the Sick Kids. It gives patients, aged between 12-20, the chance to voice their concerns and opinions.

It was collected by Chris Cameron, who said: "They will be over the moon at winning this award."