AN event was held at City Hall to celebrate the success of the Bradford Community Champions scheme and the work of its members in its first year.

The initiative, set up by Gill Arnold, the Deputy Chairman of the West Yorkshire Magistrates Branch, brings together local people from different walks of life to visit and work with schools, talking with pupils about how they have made a success of their lives.

The aim is to broaden horizons and raise aspirations of young people, helping them to make the link between their education and their futures.

The importance of school life and hard work is highlighted, with an emphasis on every lesson being paramount in shaping their future.

Many of the champions come from diverse backgrounds, some having experienced their own difficulties and hurdles in life.

Over the last year academic year, the Bradford Community Champions have interacted with more than 1,500 young people, attended assemblies at schools and taken part in the Inspiring Bradford week of events.

Heather Lacey, Headteacher at Shirley Manor Primary School, Wyke, highlighted how the scheme has had an impact through a 'Future Me' day.

She said: "The aim of the day was to raise aspirations and discover what our children’s hopes and dreams for the future are.

"We had a variety of visitors from a wide range of professions ranging from a hairdresser to a marine biologist.

"We wanted the children to make connections between the subjects they liked to the careers they could have in the future.

"This was done using a career software package where the children discovered the types of jobs they may enjoy such as: a jockey, a GP, a farrier and a diplomat, to name but a few."

She added: “The children particularly enjoyed listening and quizzing our visitors as they went into classes. There was a real buzz about the day and it would not have been as successful without the support from the Bradford Community Champions. The children are still talking about it now and we are looking forward to building on this next year.”

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said “We are really grateful to all of our Community Champions for their ongoing time and support and for inspiring the future generation of young people in our city.

“The Bradford Community Champions scheme is a great example of how local people can share their stories and wealth of experience to inspire our young people to make a difference in their lives."