A Bradford-based former international rugby star was being honoured today in the Asian Power 100 list.

Ikram Butt, a community sports development officer at Bradford Council, joined Britain's most influential Asian men and women at the ceremony in London. He is featured in the Future Leaders - Ones To Watch section of the list.

The initiative celebrates the achievements of Britain's 100 highest achieving Asians and will bring them together to promote the positive contribution they make to the country.

Ikram, 39, became the first Asian to represent England at either rugby code when he was picked for the European Rugby League Championship in 1995.

He had a career spanning 12 years and broke new ground by becoming a dual code international when he represented Pakistan during the Tri Nations RFU event against Guam and the Philippines in May 2005. He also founded the British Asian Rugby Association.

The former Leeds, Featherstone and Huddersfield winger has worked for the Council for more than seven years, and he now works with a number of organisations and partners encouraging more people to take up sport and a healthier lifestyle.

Ikram said: "It is a great honour to be shortlisted and to be involved in such a high profile event.

"I feel what we do within the community can make a difference to people's lives and make them healthier and more energetic through sport."

Jane Glaister, the Council's strategic director for culture, tourism and sport, said: "Ikram has done and continues to do a great job. We are very proud of what Ikram has achieved.

"We are committed to encourage people to be physically active and Ikram is one of a team of staff who work extremely hard to help a number of residents."