Young Asians in Bradford are being urged to get their entries in fast for a new awards scheme aimed at celebrating their achievements and highlighting role models for the future.

The Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards – known as The YAYAs – is open to any young person aged 16-30, of South Asian heritage (Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi etc) who was born in, or lives and works in, Yorkshire.

The awards are aimed at those socially-mobile young achievers who have overcome deprivation and disadvantage or have broken through traditional barriers to progress and have the potential to inspire others to follow them.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, February 5, and organisers are urging would-be entrants to complete the online nomination form – which can be found at theyayas.org.uk – as soon as possible.

Working in association with their headline partners, York St John University, the YAYAs are being organised by the Bradford-based QED Foundation, a registered charity which exists to improve the social and economic position of disadvantaged communities in partnership with public, private and civil society organisations. It has been creating opportunities for all since 1990.

Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, chief executive of QED, said: “Statistics show young people of South Asian origin in Yorkshire continue to struggle to overcome disadvantages in making their way in the world, be that in education, employment or social mobility generally.

“In all categories, we are seeking to recognise success and effort in overcoming challenges and barriers to progress, be they social, economic, personal or simply the result of traditional or historical attitudes or circumstances.

“We’ve already had some great entries but we know there are many more dynamic, hard-working young people achieving great things in all sectors across Yorkshire and we want to ensure this event – which marks our 30th anniversary – truly reflects their fabulous efforts. But time is running out fast, so please hurry to get your entries in!”

The award categories include Achievement in School or College; Health/Mental Health and Healthcare; The Arts & Creative industries; Business, Management, Finance or Law; Media (sponsored by LOCALiQ, part of Newsquest, the Telegraph & Argus' parent company; Education; the Public Sector; the Not-for-Profit Sector; Female Achievement in Traditionally Male Work Areas; Achievement as a Female Entrepreneur; Sport; and Achievement in Overcoming Life Obstacles.

Sponsors and supporters of the awards include: The RAF, the National Science & Media Museum, Barnado’s, KCB, the University of Bradford, Exa Networks, Bradford Council, Trinity College London, Squire Patton Boggs, the University of York, Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, Sovereign Health Care, Cedar Court Hotels, My Lahore, Spectrum, BITE and One Stop.

Organisers have announced that the inaugural YAYA awards, to be presented at a glittering dinner at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, on April 2, will be hosted by stand-up comedian and award-winning BBC Radio presenter Noreen Khan.

She currently presents her show on BBC Asian Network on weekdays and listening figures show she regularly has one of the most listened-to Asian radio shows in the UK. She is currently touring her hugely successful ‘Ladies of Laughter (LOL) with Noreen Khan Tour.’