A "TIRELESS" campaigner for blind and partially-sighted people across the Bradford district has been put forward as one of the latest nominees in this year's Telegraph & Argus Community Stars Awards.

Imtiaz Naqvi, 61, started to lose his sight in 1976, and became a founder member of the Bradford Association of Visually Impaired People (BAVIP) when it was established ten years ago, also acting as the group's chairman for many years.

Mr Naviq has been nominated in the volunteer category of this year's awards, with BAVIP also put forward as a community group.

Caroline Goodwill, who nominated Mr Naviq, said: "He is determined to prove that disability is no barrier to achievement and helping others.

"He works quietly and with humour to bring people of all walks of life together and improve the situation of people with disabilities.

"He leads by example and works tirelessly for people across the city."

Aside from his role with BAVIP, Mr Naviq, who received a degree from the University of Bradford in 2008 after a combined total of 14 years of study, also has voluntary roles with Bradnet, the Bradford Community and Care Alliance, Bradford Talking Media, and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Between 2007 and 2009, he was part of the successful campaign to end a discrimination in disability payments to blind and partially-sighted people, giving them the same mobility allowance as those with other disabilities.

He has also presented a television programme on the Asian Channel since 2008 to help promote a positive image of disability.

"I was astonished to find out I'd been nominated, but I'm very grateful," he said.

"We started BAVIP because we felt we needed a voice, and now we contribute to planning in area such as transport and the NHS.

"We try to give a clear message that disabled people have the potential to achieve, and it's vital to encourage that."

Last year, BAVIP called on Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to give visually-impaired people a choice of formats on how to receive their hospital appointments in a bid to reduce the number that were missed.

The group also organises recreational activities to improve the confidence and independence of its members, recently teaming up with Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure to provide a fully-inclusive cycling project.

The Community Stars Awards are being organised by the T&A and Bradford Council to ensure unsung groups and individuals are rewarded for efforts in their neighbourhoods.

Time is running out to make your nominations, which must be received by Tuesday, September 30, before they are whittled down by a panel of judges to a shortlist that will go to a public vote.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall on December 8, where they will each be presented with the prestigious Bradford Medal.