More than 250 guests gathered to celebrate the 12th annual Herald Society Awards, held in association with Wheatley Group, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow last night.

The event, hosted by TV and radio presenter Jennifer Reoch, showcased the best work and projects taking place within the public, third and voluntary sectors.

Organised by The Herald, the awards were supported by evh, Turcan Connell and YouthLink Scotland.

Wheatley Foundation Director Lorraine McLaren said: “We have been delighted to support this year’s Herald Society Awards.”

The Education Initiative of the Year winner was City of Edinburgh Council & Police Scotland – Turn Your Life Around, which recruits and trains local volunteers with a range of adverse childhood experiences.

Action for Children took the Young People’s Project of the Year accolade for its Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service, while the Church of Scotland claimed the Campaigner(s) of the Year award for its hard work in stopping the Umeed Bakhsh family from being deported.

Hazel Smith from ReTweed was named the Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

Hey Girls CIC were awarded a commendation for making it their mission to eradicate period poverty in the UK.

Kenneth Pinkerton, Legal Director at Turcan Connell, said: “What a fantastic evening that was. Not only was it an honour to present the Partnership Award to Stand up for Siblings but it was a pleasure to meet many others who are making a difference. It was an inspirational evening. The passion, enthusiasm and energy on display was incredible.”

Compassionate Inverclyde took home the Herald Society Team of the Year award, while Duncan Spiers from Calums Cabin was presented with the Unsung Hero prize.

Eamonn Connolly, director at evh, said: “It’s great to see people doing fundamentally important things receive the recognition they deserve.”

Rhona Cunningham from Fife Gingerbread won this year’s Herald Society Worker of the Year prize, while The Yard was presented with the Improving Young Peoples Lives’ award for its Fun and Friendship Clubs.

Tim Frew, chief executive of YouthLink Scotland, said: “I congratulate all the finalists for the work they do with children and young people.”

Full coverage from the event is at https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/societyawards/