IT'S time to turn the spotlight on the heroes making a big difference in Glasgow's city centre and West End. From making the city's transport system safer to helping troubled youngsters, the Evening Times is highlighting the amazing work of Glasgow's local champions.

We want to hear about your local heroes in the city centre and Merchant City, Yorkhill and Anderston, Hillhead and Woodlands, Broomhill and Partick West, Hyndland, Dowanhill and Partick East and Anniesland, Jordanhill and Whiteinch.

The evening to celebrate Central and West Glasgow, the seventh in our Community Champs award nights, is at Partick Burgh Halls on Thursday, May 28 at 6.30pm.

HOW TO ENTER DOWNLOAD a Community Champion Awards entry form from www. eveningtimes.co.uk and follow the link to the Community Champions section. Call Gayle Cooper on 0141 302 7319 or e-mail gayle.cooper@heraldandtimes.co.uk for a form. Write to Glasgow Community Champion Awards, Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB. Any forms completed for outside the current location will be kept on file until the month of the relevant awards ceremony.

Refreshments will be served at the free event, during which readers can chat to representatives from the awards partners to find out about plans for the area.

All 60 winners from each of the 10 city areas will be invited to a gala final held at the City Chambers in September, where the overall Community Champions will be crowned.

Bailie Gordon Matheson, chairman of central and west Glasgow community planning partnership board, said: "The Evening Times is Glasgow's newspaper, and I am delighted that it is choosing to honour our unsung community heroes.

"There are many vibrant and distinct communities across central and west and the Community Champions Awards is a great way to say a big thank you to those whose efforts are really appreciated."

INDIVIDUAL AWARD: Ian Barclay

For the past 11 years Ian Barclay has lent an ear to troubled young people across Glasgow and beyond.

The father-of-three dedicates his spare time to volunteering at Childline - and has clocked up a massive 1274 hours counselling children.

But retired lawyer Ian thinks nothing of his dedication, saying he just enjoys helping children in search of guidance and support.

He said: "I've always been involved with children but I wanted to do something that would really make a difference.

"I volunteered for Childline, went through the training programme and never looked back. It's hugely rewarding work."

Ian works in the charity's Bath Street base but takes calls from children from all over Scotland.

At times, the stories from some youngsters can be harrowing - with children as young as eight calling for advice about abuse.

For Ian, however, it's the thought of helping kids out of troubled situations that keeps him clocking on.

The 63-year-old, from Anniesland, added: "It can be hard. Some of the calls, when you hear what goes on in children's lives, can get you down. But we're well trained and the focus has to be on the child."

INDIVIDUAL AWARD: Alan Lee

Alan, 26, has worked tirelessly in his roles on the Woodside Community Council and the Woodside Residents Association.

Alan was the youngest community councillor in Scotland and was a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Glasgow Maryhill.

Last year he fought to have extra street lighting put in place in unlit paths and alleyways in his area.

Locals say his enthusiasm and energy makes sure he gets things done to improve the lives of the people of Woodside.

PUBLIC SERVICE TEAM AWARD: John McCrone and Jack Mitchell

Constables McCrone and Mitchell took up their posts as Glasgow's first dedicated Subway police just over two years ago.

The pair patrol trains and the 15 stations on the six-and-a-half mile circuit, spotting trouble before it happens.

They also tackle abuse of staff, intimidation of passengers by drunks and yobs and rowdy football fans, especially on Ibrox match days.

PC John McCrone and PC Jack Mitchell have been nominated for the Public Service Team Award for their work as dedicated Subway police officers at Glasgow's 15 stations
Alan Lee who is nominated in the next round of Community Champions. He works for the Woodside Community Council