CHRIS Kamara is among Yorkshire’s brightest stars confirmed for this year’s White Rose Awards,

The former Bradford City footballing legend will given an exclusive live performance from his debut album, Here’s to Christmas, which is being released on Friday.

The presenter, known to many as the voice of Saturday afternoons, has combined his love of swing music and the big band sound with his expressive, soulful tones on Christmas classics including Winter Wonderland, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, and Santa Baby.

Chris Kamara said: “I was often told I could sing by those who shared a changing room with me back in my playing days – but never dreamed I’d get to record a full album.

"I’ve always loved that big band sound and Christmas is an extra special time for me as it’s also my birthday on the 25th – so what a winning combination.

“I’m honoured to be able to perform at a night that celebrates the very best of the county I’m so proud to call home and the people who make it such a great place to visit. This year’s White Rose Awards are going to go with a swing like never before.”

The glittering ceremony, sponsored by High Speed Training, takes place on Monday, November 25, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

Former Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson and broadcaster and Leeds United TV presenter Rich Williams will host the event, which is the biggest celebration of tourism in the UK.

Natalie is best known for her prolific roles on ITV dramas Emmerdale (Alicia Metcalfe) and The Royal (Stella Davenport) alongside musical theatre productions Wicked and Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends - The Musical.

She is also a guest presenter on ITV's This Morning and has been Showbiz Editor on both Daybreak and Lorraine.

Natalie Anderson said: “I’m a proud Yorkshire woman, born and bred in this beautiful county and I can’t wait to celebrate all the brilliant people who make a visit here so special. I couldn’t be happier to be co-hosting The White Rose Awards for the very first time.”

They will be joined by some of the biggest Yorkshire names from the world of stage, screen and sport who will help honour the very best in the county’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Joining Chris Kamara on stage will be rising pop star Charlotte Hannah, the singer-songwriter from Tickhill in South Yorkshire who is fast becoming a YouTube sensation with a massive following after releasing her debut album earlier this year.

The annual award ceremony sees more categories than ever before this year, with more winners getting the opportunity to progress through to the national VisitEngland national finals.

Chair of Judges Elaine Lemm said: "What an extraordinarily exciting time it’s been judging the awards this year, with an illustrious panel of eight industry experts giving their time and expertise. With new criteria and an online scoring system, this year’s awards will be the best yet!

"The partnership with Visit England has made these awards more robust than ever, creating the opportunity for even more businesses to go through to the national finals and to make Yorkshire proud."

A thousand people will watch the very best in the business battle it out in 19 categories which cover everything from hotels to holiday parks, pubs to producers, and arts to attractions.

Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire Peter Box said: “The White Rose Awards are the highlight of the year for the tourism industry in Yorkshire. This is all about recognising the brilliant businesses and organisations which help make the county the success story that it is.

"The standard of nominees for 2019 is higher than ever and we can’t wait to celebrate on the night with all the finalists, our fantastic new hosts, performers and some extra special guests."

Tickets are available to buy at wra.yorkshire.com