The Telegraph & Argus can today exclusively reveal the shortlist for the 2012 Young Citizen Awards.

A total of 134 nominations were made in the Bradford Council-run awards scheme, which aims to recognise the contributions made by children and young people to their communities.

The awards, which are run in partnership with the T&A, Bradford’s Children’s Trust and Young Lives Bradford, will culminate with an awards ceremony at St George’s Hall on Thursday, March 15.

Pete Sims, a senior manager at Bradford Youth Service, is chairman of the event’s planning committee.

He said: “The quality has exceeded previous years. The numbers are slightly lower on previous years but the quality has been outstripped.

“I think people are putting through stronger candidates because they know the standard.

“The quality is outstanding and I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised and moved by the people who win the awards on the night itself, some powerful stories and experiences.

“Bradford has got a lot to be proud of.”

The young people have been nominated in five categories – health and well-being, education and achievement, business and enterprise, changing lives and caring for others, and “b someone for your future”.

Mr Sims said: “To show these experiences, successes and talents and give them the merit they deserve is fantastic.”

The awards are sponsored by Bradford Council’s “b someone” project, Bradford College, Incommunities, Yorkshire Building Society, Kirkgate Shopping Centre and St Bede's Catholic Grammar School.

A line-up of young stars who will perform at the event includes a ten-year-old contemporary dancer called Gina, street dancing group Pure Fusion the AKA Academy Dance Group, indie-rock band Scorpion Tears and a singing duo called Bradford Youth Players.

Celebrities who will present awards at the ceremony will be revealed next week.

Anyone who would like a free ticket can phone (01274) 432440.