More than 40 outstanding young people have been nominated for the Bradford Young Citizen Awards but organisers are calling for even more entries.

Bradford Council is urging people to nominate young adults for the awards, which celebrate the achievement and positive contributions youngsters make to the Bradford district.

The Council, which has set up the awards in association with the Telegraph & Argus, said it needed more nominations for under-11s.

A spokesman said: "The deadline for nominations is Monday, January 15, but the Council will accept more nominations thro-ughout the week."

A group of budding politicians are among those nominated for outstanding achievement in the 11-to-25 category.

Three members of the Bradford-Keighley Youth Parliament have been nominated by Jenny Bass for their continuing work in their community.

The youth parliament brings young people and decision-makers together to listen to each other and make Bradford a better place.

Richard Dunbar, 22, has been put up for the award for his contribution to the community. As well as regularly attending meetings inside and outside Bradford, Richard has interviewed more than 1,000 young people in the Buttershaw area, asking them how they feel about the city.

Wasim Ahmed, 14, also attends meetings and is on the education improvement committee for Bradford Council. Ramla Aziz, 17, creates the quarterly newsletter which she then distributes in schools and youth centres. She also works with small groups of young people, generates an interest in a parliament and has a particular knack for solving conflicts.

The entire youth parliament group has been nominated for an award.

Norrina Rashid, voice and influences team leader for Bradford youth service, said: "I think they are they are an amazing group of 30 young people who show outstanding commitment to their community and their peers. The number of hours they put in is amazing. They are a real inspiration and give adults an insight into the potential of young people."

Tony Reeves, Bradford Council's chief executive, said: "I met members of the Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament as part of my induction into Bradford and I was extremely impressed by the ability of the individuals."

The awards will be presented at an Oscars-style ceremony at St George's Hall, Bradford, on Thursday, March 22.

The Council is hoping young celebrities from the area will be able to take part. A representative from the T&A will also be presenting awards.

The six categories are: the Healthy Lifestyles Award; Tackling Bullying Award; Participation for Success; Active Citizenship Award; the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Enterprise and Aspiration Award.

Forms are available from Philip Kitson, Room 202, City Hall, Bradford. E-mail philip.kitson@bradford.gov.uk or telephone (01274) 431933.

e-mail: ali.davies@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

  • Click here for a printable version of the nomination form