Five deaf young people who overcame barriers to take part in a Deaf Youth Orchestra have been nominated for the Bradford Young Citizen Awards.

Jordan, 15, Kaif-Issam, 13, Martin, 16, Naseeba, 14 and Alex, 12, showed off their musical talent when they played with the orchestra.

The youngsters, who have been nominated for the Enjoy and Achieve Award, took part in six workshops, held between October, 2006, and June, 2007, which helped to develop the young people's musical skills and culminated in a concert.

The orchestra was started by Huddersfield-based Music and the Deaf (MatD) which over 20 years has brought music and the arts to thousands of deaf people.

MatD administrator Sue Rosborough said: "The young deaf people from Bradford who have taken part in the first year of this ground-breaking project have overcome tremendous difficulties and barriers and have really enjoyed and achieved.

"Deaf children have never been able to play in an orchestra and these children grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Having learned an instrument and learned to play with other musicians, they put on a great performance."

The young people were given the opportunity to learn about music including rhythm, pitch and duration as well as having the chance to explore a wide range of instruments in the music clubs led by Paul Whittaker, Danny Lane and Steven McMahon, who are all profoundly deaf.

The scheme, in its second year and sponsored by the Telegraph & Argus, recognise the efforts made by young people across the district.

The night of festivities will be on Wednesday, February 27, with star guests including Bradford magician Dynamo and TV presenter Christa Ackroyd.

The deadline is tomorrow. The categories are the Government's Every Child Matters agenda: Be Healthy, Stay Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Making a Positive Contribution and Achieving Economic Wellbeing.

Nominees may have helped to set up a project, supported others or achieved highly while overcoming difficulties.

There are Outstanding Achievement Awards for exceptionally high achievers or entrepreneurs and there are two age ranges for the six categories - under 11s and 11 to 25-year-olds.

To find out about the 2008 awards contact organiser Asma Shaheen on (01274) 433714 or visit www.bradford.gov.uk/youngcitizensawards