THE Outstanding Contribution to Earliest Years of Life Award, sponsored by Better Start Bradford, celebrates those who continue to have a hugely positive impact on the life of babies, young children and their families.

The finalists are Darryl Young, Maddie Coelho and Sherwood Green Nursery in Eccleshill.

Daryyl Young, who has been a volunteer at Better Start Bradford when the organisation was established over five years ago, has been nominated for his "invaluable" work with fathers, grandfathers and male carers in the area.

He represented on the 'Parents in the Lead' project as a panel member, offering grants to parents in the area that want to make a difference to the lives of families with children under four. Darryl is a well known member of the Bradford Moor community - supporting community groups and often sharing his "valuable experience" as a dad in Laisterdyke Library.

Darryl said: "I am in shock I have been noticed and nominated!

I did my best to work quietly behind the scenes over the last years without creating a fuss or direction of any thanks my way. I have no idea how i got spotted, I thought I was doing well and then this! Thank you so very kindly for the nomination, Bradford!"

Maddie Coelho is nominated for her literacy project, Story Bees, and volunteering work at Burley in Wharfedale's community-managed library since 2017.

Prior to the pandemic, she ran weekly rhyme-time and story-based craft activities for babies and under 5s at Burley Library. When the pandemic began, she took her library sessions online and began producing a free weekly video on Facebook. She also runs the annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic, attended by over 100 people.

Her nominator said: "Maddie’s enthusiasm for reading is contagious and her creative drive without limits."

Maddie said: "I feel passionately about the important role that books play in the early years and so was happy to be able to continue to share books and Story Bees activity ideas online with children and their families throughout the pandemic. A little bit of escapism and fun has never been more important! And hopefully it's kept a few parents sane too."

Sherwood Green Nursery was nominated for donating baby and food packs to families struggling to provide for their children.

It also donated stationary packs for struggling families to put a smile on their childs face when they were due to start school in September as not every parent could afford the basic stationary. They have gone out of their way and donated food parcels to families struggling in the community.

The person who nominated the nursery said: "This nursery really deserves this award as, if they didn't do the above, the community and its children would have really struggled. All them babies would have gone without the basic essentials, new mothers would be mentally and emotionally struggling. Families would have struggled for food.

"They have been such a big support and impact on everyone in the community."

You can vote for your winning finalist here.