Gang attacks on young asylum seekers used to be so common in one of Glasgow's most notorious neighbourhoods that they were dubbed "recreational racism".

But today three police officers were nominated for a national award after turning Red Road and other tough city areas into places where young offenders and immigrants play sports together in peace.

The trio from the Strathclyde Police Asylum liaison unit have just been put forward for the Jane's Police Review Gala Diversity in Action award, which will be decided later this week.

It is the first time that any of Scotland's police forces have been included in the nominations for the accolades, which are the only awards honouring excellence among officers across the UK.

Two police constables from Tayside Police and Lothian and Borders Police are also vying for the title of Community Police Officer of the Year.

Strathclyde asylum liaison officer, constable Harry Faulds, who has been nominated along with colleagues constable Helen Cobban and constable Anthony Gallagher, said he was delighted that their efforts over the past four years are being recognised.

Speaking before heading south for the award ceremony in London on Thursday, hosted by TV newsreader Huw Edwards, Mr Faulds explained how their work developed. He said: "It started off as an integration project for young asylum seekers in Red Road in 2004. At that time we had nine serious assaults on asylum seekers in the area on one night. The local sheriff described it as recreational racism.

"But we quickly realised that the gang fighters in these areas which we were trying to reclaim were coming along to join in (in sports as well)."

Since its inception Operation Reclaim has been extended to seven key city communities where two uniformed officers spend three hours a day, 48 weeks a year, organising activities for young people.

More than 840 activity sessions have been held since July 2007 with more than 1600 young people taking part.

Force statistics show a fall in crime in the targeted areas, which Mr Faulds says shows how well the initiative is working. He added: "We have not had a gang fight in our area for two and a half years."

The three officers have also arranged sports coaching training programmes with guaranteed interviews for overseas work placements for young people with no criminal record who achieve entry level coaching badges.

Joint nominee for the community policeman of the year award is constable Neil Doig, of Lothian and Borders Police.

In more than 20 years working in the deprived Broomhouse area of Edinburgh, Mr Doig has set up numerous projects to help keep young people out of trouble, often working in his own free time on initiatives including midnight football leagues attracting dozens of teenagers every Friday night.

Although he is due to retire later this month, he is going back to work on December 1 under a scheme allowing experienced officers to carry on working.

Responding to his nomination, Mr Doig, who has also received an MBE for his work, said: "I was a bit shocked and quite humbled if people think that I deserve some sort of recognition.

"I don't court celebrity or publicity. I just love my job, which is why I'm coming back after a quick retirement."