BRADFORD pop superstar Zayn Malik has been given the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the fifth annual Asian Awards.

The prize, presented by producer Naughty Boy, is Zayn's first-ever independent award and his first since leaving One Direction to begin a solo career and be a "normal" 22-year-old.

Accepting the award at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, Zayn, who grew up in East Bowling, thanked his mum and dad.

"I'd also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys that I ever met whilst being in the band and doing all the amazing things that I did.

"Some of the things that we did will stay with me for the rest of my life," he added.

Zayn (pictured) attended the awards with his mum and showed off a new shaven hairstyle.

Paul Sagoo, who launched the awards in 2010, said: "I’m so proud of the way The Asian Awards are evolving. They have truly grown into a voice for the Pan Asian community to celebrate its own success."