Fantastic night as the city says thank you to all our local heroes

THE Tele’s glitzy Community Spirit Awards were held in the Apex Hotel at City Quay to recognise those who have gone the extra mile in their community.

After being introduced by Tele editor Steven Bell, our host, Tayside native and University of Dundee veteran Fred MacAulay delighted a room of almost 300 guests with his awardwinning brand of stand-up comedy.

Opening the night’s proceedings, he said: “It gives me great pleasure to be the host this evening.

“The great thing about these awards, ladies and gentlemen, especially this year’s, is that when ordinary people do extraordinary things we can see what a difference it makes to the villages, towns and the cities where we live.”

In addition, the McCann School of Irish Dance, saxophonist Konrad Wiszniewski and The Essential Sinatra provided non-stop entertainment throughout the evening.

Among the guests at the Community Spirit Awards were supporters from Dundee City Council, Tay Taxis, Scottish Fire & Rescue, Wave 102, Apex Hotels, STAR Awards Dundee and the Wellgate Centre.

Lord Provost Bob Duncan was also on hand to deliver his special Award for Community Service, hand-picked by Mr Duncan himself.

He said: “Tonight has been fantastic. It really says so much about the city and its people.”

Although there were only 13 winners and one commendation, all 36 of our nominees deserve nothing but the highest praise — whether their acts were big or small, whether their impact was felt close to home or far and wide.

And, as these pictures show, everyone had a brilliant time celebrating Tayside’s local heroes.