Community heroes have been celebrated at a glittering event in Barrhead.

More than 200 attendees including individuals and those from local businesses and groups were recognised at The All About Barrhead Awards at Dalmeny Park House Hotel.

The event was hosted for the second consecutive year by STV presenter Laura Boyd, who described it as a “privilege” to be involved.

Barrhead News: Stv presenter Laura Boyd hosted the event for the second year running, left, and, right, Andy Dunlop, Barrhead Improvement District managerStv presenter Laura Boyd hosted the event for the second year running, left, and, right, Andy Dunlop, Barrhead Improvement District manager (Image: Sourced)

Indeed, during an evening filled with laughter, tears and joy, many were honoured across a range of categories, including Impact in the Community, Young person of the Year and Independent Business of the Year.

The coveted Barrhead Star award was awarded to Ashley McIlvenny for her outstanding achievements and endeavours in the Barrhead community and work with Include Me 2 Club.

The runner-up in this category was Douglas Yates.

Barrhead News: Callum McCollCallum McColl (Image: Sourced)

Andy Dunlop, Barrhead Improvement District (BID) manager, told the Barrhead News: "The All About Barrhead Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the incredible work being done by everyone in our community.

“We're proud of the community spirit that exists here in Barrhead, and these awards are just one way we can celebrate and acknowledge the positive impact they make."

Barrhead News: Rena McGuireRena McGuire (Image: Sourced)

The first award of the night, the Initiative of the Year award, looked to recognise a local group, individual or business that has launched an initiative which has had a positive impact in their organisation or within the local community.

This award was won by Dunterlie Adult Drama by In Cahootz, while the runner up was Hair in Recovery by Harpers Salon.

The National Business of the Year award was open to businesses who have six or more outlets nationwide, and the winner of this was Barrhead Foundry, while the runner up was Tesco.

The Employee of the Year award, meanwhile, aimed to recognise a single employee within a Barrhead business community who continually goes over and above the call of duty to ensure they carry out their role to the highest standards.

This was awarded to Calum McColl of Include Me 2 Club, with Kirsty Lafferty of Country Feeds named as runner up.

Barrhead News: Grace McLaren won the Young Person of the Year AwardGrace McLaren won the Young Person of the Year Award (Image: Sourced)

The Young Person of the Year Award recognised young people who strive daily to improve the community of Barrhead and the lives of those around them.

The winner was Grace McLaren, while the runner up was seven-year-old Michael Williams, who stole some of the limelight with a lovely voice note which was played to the audience.

The Kevin Paul Finnell Memorial Award, presented by Brian McMillan of F&M Hairdressing, was presented to Stan Esson for his tireless work with the East Renfrewshire Food Bank who were also the recipients of a £1300 donation from the proceeds of a raffle.

The Customer Excellence award, celebrated those who go above and beyond for their customers.

This award was given to the Harpers Salon. Marshall Travel picked up the runners up award despite only launching their business during the Covid pandemic.

Barrhead News: Stan EssonStan Esson (Image: Sourced)

Dunterlie Foodshare was crowned the winner of the Impact in the Community award for its exceptional work in impacting the lives of Barrhead residents, with Barrhead Housing Association named as runner-up.

And finally in the Independent Business of the Year category, D. Moodie & Co. was announced as the winner in recognition of its exemplary customer service and commitment to the local community.

The runner-up in this category was Chloebakescakess, another business borne out of lockdown.

Sara Still, All About Barrhead chairperson, added: "It's heart-warming to see so many people come together to celebrate the achievements of our community.

“The All About Barrhead Awards shine a light on the best of the best, and it's an honour to be a part of it."