An increased number of nominations have been received to recognise the achievements of unsung young heroes across the district.

About 165 names of people are being put forward for the Telegraph & Argus backed Bradford Young Citizen Awards, which recognise the efforts made by young people who go that extra mile.

BBC Look North TV presenter Christa Ackroyd will be helping to celebrate the young people's successes when she presents the awards at an Oscar-style ceremony at St George's Hall on Wednesday, February 27.

Bradford celebrity street magician Dynamo will also taking part in the awards, which are now in their second year, alongside young artists and musicians from the district.

One of the groups who will be appearing on the night are Urban Circus Arts.

Its director Daryll Hackett said the group was thrilled to be involved with such an event.

He said: "We work with young people all the time and there are so many talented, creative and amazing young individuals that truly deserve the recognition that the Bradford Young Citizens Awards provides.

"We, as a city, are fortunate to have such a vibrant youth service. We work all over the country and Europe as well so its wonderful to be supporting such an event in our home town."

Also performing at the awards are Lauren, Dhol Players, Loss Souls, Rhythm Riots, Vogue, Waxworks and the Hanson School Soul Band.

Hanson's head teacher Sue Horsley said: "We are delighted that the Hanson Soul Band will be playing at the ceremony.

"The Young Citizens Awards celebrates young people's achievements and that is something we value here at Hanson."

The nominations have now been sent to the judges, who have the tough job of deciding the winners of each category, which are from the Government's Every Child Matters agenda and include Be Healthy, Stay Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Making a Positive Contribution and Achieving Economic Wellbeing.

Pete Sims, youth service senior manager at Bradford Council and awards organiser, said the response had been fantastic.

He said: "There are some really wonderful nominations and the judges will now be struggling to shortlist them.

"Having looked through the forms, there are some brilliant examples of what young people are doing in the district despite the different challenges they face - they all deserve to be a winner."

Nominations have now closed.