A MAN who has helped organise a number of charity bike rides and raise £20,000 has been nominated for a 2017 Community Stars Award.

Rifaqat Ali, a community co-ordinator at Bradford Council, has been put forward for the honours which are organised annually by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council to recognise unsung heroes across the district.

Those who make a difference in their local communities can be nominated across eight categories.

Mr Ali has been nominated as a Community Champion by Shahzada Meer, who said: “He has been a catalyst in youngsters in the community getting involved in charity work through arranging bike rides.

“He has organised charity bike rides, Bradford to Liverpool Docks, Bradford to Scarborough and Bradford to Manchester to raise funds and awareness.

“These events raised in excess of £20,000 for Marie Curie cancer hospice, Brain and Tumour Research, victims of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack and West Bowling Islamic Society.”

She added: “He has over many years engaged youngsters in trying new sports and interests through West Bowling Activity Group, arranging golf sessions, tennis, table tennis, and football tournaments for under 16s and giving opportunities to youngsters to experience the atmosphere at live football games.”

He has also managed the transformation of three-storey Drove Road House in West Bowling into the Madni Centre for the benefit of the community.

Winners of the Community Stars Awards for 2017 will be announced at a ceremony at the Midland Hotel on Wednesday, December 6, where each category winner will be honoured with the Bradford Medal.

The awards are part of the People Can Make a Difference campaign and are sponsored by Better Start Bradford, which runs schemes in certain areas of the city to give babies and children a better start in life.

NOMINATE HERE

Nominations are being sought in the following categories: Community Group, Fundraiser, Young Active Citizens, Good Neighbour, Volunteer, Community Champion, Business Can Make a Difference Award, and the sponsored award Better Start Bradford Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering.

Nominations must be submitted before September 25.