COMMUNITY stalwarts were honoured for their work at a glittering awards ceremony.

The Provost's Community Awards celebrated those who have gone above and beyond to improve life in Renfrewshire.

The Gazette: Provost Lorraine Cameron with compere Gina McKieProvost Lorraine Cameron with compere Gina McKie (Image: Kieran Chambers)

Provost Lorraine Cameron and comperè Gina McKie presented the awards at Bishopton's Ingliston Country Club.

The Gazette:  Entertainment was provided on the night by Paisley Opera Entertainment was provided on the night by Paisley Opera (Image: Kieran Chambers)

On Friday night, guests were entertained by singers from Paisley Opera before the award ceremony got underway.

The Gazette: Lesley CompstonLesley Compston (Image: Kieran Chambers)

The Carer’s Award was given to Lesley Compston, who takes on a caring role for her father and previously for her mother, who sadly passed away from Alzheimer's in 2022.

She is also one of the founders of KLAS Care, which provides flexible and affordable childcare to nearly 300 children in Linwood and Johnstone during term time and school holidays.

The Gazette: Diane MitchellDiane Mitchell (Image: Kieran Chambers)

Winner of the Arts and Culture Award was Diane Mitchell, who launched her own music school in Paisley in 2015.

Since then, Diane has built a programme of community music programmes and workshops that highlight her belief that everyone can benefit from learning music - regardless of age, race, gender, or background.

The Gazette: Kirsteen JamiesonKirsteen Jamieson (Image: Kieran Chambers)

Employee of the Year went to Kirsteen Jamieson, who works for Renfrewshire Council's Adult and Family Learning service to deliver learner-centred, lifelong and accessible training to people across the area.

The Gazette: Michael ShearerMichael Shearer (Image: Kieran Chambers)

Meanwhile, the Sports Award was won by Michael Shearer, who is chairman of Renfrew FC Youth and Girls community football club.

He has been pivotal in growing the club through recruiting volunteers and bringing in sponsorship and funding that makes the club more accessible to young people and children in the Renfrew area.

The Gazette: Kickin' OnKickin' On (Image: Kieran Chambers)

Receiving the Community Group Award was Kickin' On, which was initially set up in 2020 as an exercise and talking therapy group to help ease the burden on those suffering with poor mental health.

The Gazette: Suzanne StevensonSuzanne Stevenson (Image: Kieran Chambers)

Finally, the Community Volunteer Award was given to Suzanne Stevenson, the founder of Wedding Wish Makers.

The non-profit organisation that organises and funds weddings for couples where one partner has had a terminal diagnosis.

The Gazette: Provost Lorraine Cameron with awardProvost Lorraine Cameron with award (Image: Kieran Chambers)

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: "The Community Awards recognises those who really go the extra mile to make Renfrewshire a better place without looking for reward or recognition.

"As the Provost, I meet hundreds of inspiring people and groups every year and it never ceases to amaze me that there is so much fantastic work going on throughout Renfrewshire.

"These winners were all nominated by their own communities, and I'm honoured to be able to reward them for their dedication and commitment.

"Congratulations to all our winners, your hard work does not go unnoticed."