OUR QUEST to find the city's unsung heroes in the Glasgow Community Champion Awards is inching nearer its grand finale. Help us end the campaign on a high note by telling us about the south- west's neighbourhood stars. Harry McColl AS someone who has been active in the Pollokshaws community for almost 30 years, Harry McColl is the man residents turn to when they have a problem.

In his role as secretary of Pollokshaws and Eastwood Community Council, the 75-year-old grandfather has campaigned on a variety of topics, including school closures, the reopening of Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, against locating a mobile phone mast next to a children's playground, against the Go Ape adventure trail at Pollok Country Park and for a revamp of Auldhouse Park.

But he is keen to stress the positive, saying: "The community council aren't just a moaning-faced mob!

"I'm involved in an integration group and we had a gala day in June in Greenbank Park and it was a great day. We got all the community involved."

Harry has lived for 26 years in one of Pollokshaws' 12 remaining multi-storey blocks, although it is earmarked for demolition in September.

The former turner and union activist is also a founding member of Pollokshaws Heritage Group, which meets once a week in Pollokshaws Parish Church hall to explore the area's past, present and future.

Harry adds: "If there's an injustice or I can help local people then I will. I walk down Shawbridge Street and people stop me all the time.

"It means I'm trying to help somebody. You want to give something in return, that's all."

There's only two days left to nominate the remarkable people living and working in the Greater Pollok and Newlands area in this, the 10th stage of the city-wide campaign.

To make sure your entry reaches us before the deadline at 5pm on Thursday, fill out a nomination form online by following the link from the homepage.

Since launching the awards last October, we've had almost 700 nominations highlighting the work of people committed to making a difference across the city.

The final area covers Pollok, Newlands, Cathcart, Pollokshaws, Mansewood, Priesthill, Housewoodhill, Arden, Carnwadric, Nitshill and Darnley.

We want to hear about outstanding individuals, brilliant charities, fantastic neighbours, brave young people and dedicated public-service workers who go beyond the call of duty.

The winners of six categories will be announced at a free awards ceremony at Pollok Community Centre, on Langton Road, on Wednesday, August 26.

Representatives from the awards partners - Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow City Council and the Evening Times - will be at the ceremony. All 60 winners from across Glasgow will be invited to a glittering ceremony at the City Chambers in October, when the overall champions will be named.

Here are some examples of the possible contenders for the south-west. Michelle Burnett

YOUNG carer Michelle Burnett juggles a busy office job with a heavy daily routine of caring for her mum and carrying out household chores.

Now the 18-year-old from Pollok is to have her experiences recorded in a book to help others in the same situation.

The former St Paul's High pupil is collaborating with other members of The Princess Royal Trust Greater Pollok Carers' Centre and The Village Storytelling Centre to highlight the role young people play in looking after family members.

The Village Storytelling Centre recently won £7500 in funding from Standard Life to collect and publish these experiences.

Michelle hopes other young carers will benefit from reading about her experiences.

She said: "We can have our voices heard, so people will read that and say, Wow, I go through that, maybe I'm a young carer,' and put themselves forward for support."

Michelle looks after her mum, Emily, who suffers from depression and severe arthritis. It was Emily who suggested three years ago that Michelle get involved with the Pollok Young Carers initiative, which has transformed her daughter's life.

Michelle, an office support worker for Clyde Healthcare, recently returned from a 12-day sailing trip to Iceland with the Ocean Youth Trust, and last year took part in a youth exchange to Nuremberg in Germany.

She adds: "If you're part of Young Carers, you get to go on great trips with them.

"All the people are in similar situations to you, so you don't feel like an outcast. All the stuff I get involved with is great." Rainbow Care Centre

THE Rainbow Care Centre support group, based at Carnwadric Parish Church, is all about putting colour into the lives of older people in Greater Pollok.

More than 50 members use its day-care facility, which provides transport, social activities and home-cooked food five days a week.

The centre was established in 1990 by the Rev Graeme Bell, who identified a gap in services for frail, vulnerable or disabled people aged over 50 in need of help, friendship or advice.

Its services have expanded to include a befriending service where volunteers are matched with elderly residents, and an information and advice service.

In 2005, the charity received a grant of £27,000 from the Gannett Foundation, the charity arm of the parent company of the Evening Times, to buy a mini-bus.

Its 12 staff members regularly fundraise through race nights, ladies' nights and coffee mornings - not to mention the annual Christmas pantomime.

Project manager Allison Dowling said: "I feel very lucky to work beside a very special group of people who work tirelessly to achieve our aim."

This Saturday, the centre will host a Summertime Fun Day from noon until 2pm, offering stalls, home baking and a tombola.