A FUNCTIONAL fitness, health and well-being group who help keep kids off the street and supported families during the pandemic claims there is going to be "an explosion of greatness from Bradford" in the coming years.

2TShirtgang won the Business Making a Difference Award at the Community Stars Awards last Wednesday.

There were 1,327 votes in the category in total, with 2TShirtgang receiving 516 of those.

The other finalists were, Dandelion Cafe and Core Gym (Greengates).

Anthony Williams, one of two instructors at 2Tshirtgang (pictured left), said on receiving the award: “Initially just truly humbled, grateful, overwhelmed as well.”

Meanwhile his fellow instructor, Trinity Brown (pictured right), said: “We never expected this, we’re just happy to be part of it.

“We’ve come down here and we’ve seen so many people are doing their own thing in their communities and that itself is inspiring.

“We’re just hoping to keep on pushing on in terms of what we do and delivering our work.

“Bradford has got a lot in it and it’s nice to see so many people doing their own individual thing.

“The main thing for us is the passion, that’s what keeps pushing us forward and driving us forward in terms of delivering the work we do, in terms of our community and serving the people that we do.”

2TShirtgang organised online workout sessions during lockdown to support people with their fitness and mental health.

The duo themselves said the group helps to “keep kids away from the streets” and has managed to “create safe and productive environments for young people of all races and ages.”

One person who nominated the organisation said: “In lockdown I was made redundant and had no money, I was stressed, my kids were stressed and they were inside 24/7 with nothing to do.

“I called 2TShirtgang and told them my situation - they were really good and now, nearly a year in, my kids still love the classes."

Other people described the duo as mentors to many young people and said they brought together a community during a time of unrest and turmoil.

The Community Stars Awards ceremony showcased the great and good of Bradford and 2TShirtgang feel this is just the beginning for the city.

Mr Williams said: “I think this is just the start, you’re going to see an explosion of greatness from Bradford.

“Bradford 2025 City of Culture, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, there’s a lot in Bradford, there’s a lot of greatness, potential, and the world will get to see it.”

Meanwhile Mr Brown thinks Bradford is on its way back to former glories.

He said: “So many people are doing their own thing and that’s beautiful to see.

“I can see Bradford moving forward in years to come and getting back to what it used to be.”