A BRADFORD community figure has been given an award for the selfless work he carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Javed Bashir has been given a Tackling Health Inequalities award by charitable organisation the British Muslim Heritage Centre, in recognition of how he supported some of the district’s most vulnerable when lockdown was first enforced in 2020.

Dr Bashir set up the Volunteering Interfaith Partnership (VIP) which provided food and essential items to those in need, working closely with organisations such as Age UK and Rotary.

He also started the Sharing Ramadan initiative, which provided meals to vulnerable people of all faiths and none during the month of fasting.

He also encouraged more people to vaccinated against Covid.

“I am honoured to have been given this recognition,” said Dr Bashir.

“I am pleased that my humble contributions have been noted and that I helped to make a difference to people in need during a particularly difficult time.

“I would like to thank all the people and organisations who supported.”

The British Muslim Heritage Centre said: “Dr Bashir was instrumental in helping elderly, vulnerable and isolated people across the district.

“When lockdown began, many found themselves isolated and without support. By bringing people together, Dr Bashir ensured people didn’t suffer any more than they had to.”