Tele Community Champion Awards finalists announced

Outstanding nominees across a total of 11 categories have at last been whittled down to the shortlists for the prizes — after much agonising by the judging panel.

The Tele is today delighted to announce that the following brilliant individuals and organisations — who have contributed enormously to community life in Inverclyde — are in the running for the trophies at a glittering gala evening at Greenock Town Hall on June 7:

Sporting Champion of the Year: Glenpark Harriers; Greenock Wanderers; Paul McNaught; Rhys McCole; Eddie McCluskey.

Teacher of the Year: Calum Edenborough; Linda Jackson; May Hughes.

Little Champion of the Year – sponsored by Platinum Paving: Abbie Marshall; Alyssa McLellan; Harriet McConway; Naomi Rankin

Youth Community Champion of the Year – sponsored by Clyde Eats: Ben Kane; Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club; Jade McDonald; Skye McCabe.

Health & Care Champion of the Year: Andrew Nisbet; Dance for Parkinson's Classes; Inverclyde Royal Hospital Staff; Skylark Centre - IRH; Your Voice.

Senior Community Champion of the Year: Eddie McCluskey; Jim Hearl; Sadie Martin.

Business Champion of the Year: Belville Community Garden; GlowBambino; John Laird; Platinum Paving.

Charity Champion of the Year – sponsored by Arnold Clark: Diane Rebecchi; Helen Coyle; James Crawford; Karen Taylor; Tony Phillips.

Live Music Award: Chol Riak; Home for Joy; Maria McMaster; Riverside Youth Band

Community Champion of the Year – sponsored by RCH Group: FUNdraising Inverclyde; Hammy's Out of School; Home Start Inverclyde - Dad's Group;Tots & Tea.

Heart of Gold - sponsored by A&I Geotechnical Ltd: Andrew Nisbet; Brendan Hamil; Claire Ford; Jim Gannon; Richard Courtney

Other awards, the Judges' Special Recognition Award and the Outstanding Contribution to Community Award will be announced at the event.

Janine Brennan, of Clyde Eats — sponsor of the Youth Champion Award — said: "Massive congratulations to the finalists! It’s unfortunate that young people are sometimes unfairly depicted in a negative manner.

"However, your inclusion as finalists is a powerful testament to your remarkable contributions and the positive impact you’ve made within your community. Take immense pride in your achievements!"

Paul McCafferty, General Manager of Arnold Clark Greenock — sponsor of the Charity Champion Award — said: "Congratulations to this year’s finalists! Everyone nominated has been an inspiration to their community, and they should be very proud of their efforts.

"I must give a special mention to the nominees in our sponsored category – Charity Champion of the Year – who have all shown exceptional dedication to giving back and enriching the lives of others."

Maria Cameron, of A&I Geotechnical — sponsor of the Heart of Gold Award — said: "This prestigious award is dedicated to recognising an individual who has significantly contributed to our community.

"It acknowledges someone who has had a positive influence on the lives of others and has made a meaningful impact. The recipient of this award embodies a true spirit of kindness and generosity – a true heart of gold.

A&I Geotechnical is proud to present this award to an individual who is actively enhancing the quality of life in our community. Well done!"

The Telegraph thanks the judging panel of Lizzy Todd, president of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and MD of TweetiePie Media, Charlene Elliot, CEO of CVS Inverclyde, PC Frazer MacDonald, Inverclyde Community Police Officer, and Stephen McCabe, Leader of Inverclyde Council, for their time and effort during the process which was chaired by editor David Goodwin.

David said: "It was really tough to get to the final shortlists because every single person and organisation nominated are winners and true community champions in their own right."