Bankies have been recognised for going above and beyond in the community in the shortlist for this year’s Provost Civic Awards.

The awards recognise locals who make a significant contribution to improving the area and the lives of people in West Dunbartonshire.

Clydebank’s Allan Rutherford, Andy Gallagher, Kevin Crawford and Jim McLaren are among the people to be shortlisted and invited to attend the awards ceremony that will take place on August 31 at Clydebank Town Hall.

Provost William Hendrie said: “Everyone who was nominated for this year’s awards should be immensely proud of themselves.

“It was a very difficult task to select a shortlist because every nominee that the council received was an exceptional example of citizenship.

“They each have gone above and beyond to help someone else, in some cases devoting hundreds of hours of their own time to improve the lives of others and make a real difference in our communities.”

Teenager Ross Anderson, from Old Kilpatrick, has been shortlisted in the arts and culture champion category after his passion for music landed him a spot on BBC’s The Voice where he was praised by Jennifer Hudson.

Also nominated for the arts and culture champion is Allan Rutherford for his work with Awestruck Academy, that offers the local community learning in a wide range of creative, visual and performing arts subjects.

Under the sports champion category, Andy Gallagher has been nominated for running the Disability Futsal Club, and despite being in pain from cerebral palsy, plays an active role as a coach.

And Jim McLaren, founder of Golden Friendships, has been nominated for the individual community/voluntary champion category as has Kevin Crawford for the Clydebank Disability Group.

Kevin Crawford has also been nominated under this category for launching the Clydebank Disability Group that provides support, activities and focus groups, after suffering a health condition that impacted his own mobility.

This year’s Youth Champion has already been chosen. Harry Crossan, from Bonhill, was recognised for the award as he saved his two-year old sister Evie when she choked at their home.

The quick thinking eight-year-old cleared the obstruction by thumping Evie on the back after receiving first aid training at school.

Harry will receive his award at the ceremony later this month when all other winners will be announced, and Provost William Hendrie will select an overall Citizen of the Year.

Provost Hendrie added: “I want to thank everyone who took the time to make a nomination, thanks to them we can now publicly acknowledge the efforts of so many of our local heroes.

“I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to meet these champions in person at our awards and announce our winners.”