BRADFORD community group Free2B-ME LGBTQ has made the shortlist for the National Diversity Awards 2020.

They were shortlisted from more than 70,000 entrants in the category for Race/Faith/Religion.

This award recognises groups who have made an outstanding contribution to their local community.

During the pandemic, the group in association with Morrisons, delivered over 600 food parcels, toiletry packs, hand sanitisers and face masks to the most vulnerable in the LGBTQ+ community.

With the aid of funding from the National Lottery and Bradford for Everyone, they also opened the first LGBTQ+ community garden in, not only Bradford but the whole of England, to help people combat social isolation and loneliness.

The garden is on an allotment at Derby Road, Bradford.

Cllr Zafar Iqbal (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: The garden is a unique and diverse place where people of all ages, cultures and abilities come together as one, learning, building and growing fresh produce and creating a safe space for everyone involved."

He added: "It's very impressive that this group has been chosen from more than 70,000 applicants to be in the final."

The awards will be presented at Liverpool Cathedral this Friday.