Young people from across the district who have triumphed over adversity will be presented with awards at a ceremony next week.

The Bradford's Bravest awards, launched by the Chantelle Bleau Memorial Fund, in association with the Telegraph & Argus, recognise the achievements of youngsters who have overcome a difficulty through courage and determination.

Earlier this year the Fund contacted every secondary school in the district asking them to nominate pupils aged 12 to 18 they felt deserved an accolade.

A team of judges has selected a shortlist and the winners will be announced at the ceremony, held at the Abundant Life Centre in Bradford on Thursday. The awards will be presented by a surprise celebrity and other stars will attend the event.

Christian Allsworth, development worker at the Fund, said: "We're delighted that so many schools nominated pupils for these awards.

"Through my work with the Fund in schools I meet pupils who have overcome all kinds of difficulties, including serious illness, disability and problems at home, but often they're the unsung heroes.

"These awards are about celebrating the achievements and bravery of young people.

"The judges have been very impressed with all the nominees' stories of courage and determination. Being presented with an award in front of their family, schoolfriends and teachers will mean so much to these young people.

The awards include cash prizes and gifts donated from Cineworld, Pizza Hut, Next, Hollywood Bowl and Brad-ford Bulls. Star guests have donated signed items.

West Yorkshire Fire Service is sponsoring the awards, along with businesses Wig-wam Acoustics in Manchest-er, Carey Niemen Architects in Leeds, and Craven Slater and Associates in Halifax.

The Chantelle Bleau Memorial Fund, set up in memory of a 16-year-old girl who died after sniffing cigarette lighter fuel, works with schools and other youth organisations raising awareness of the dangers of solvent abuse.

The charity has held awards ceremonies in previous years but this year it changed the name to Bradford's Bravest. Last year's winner was Kelly Mudd, 16, of Holme Wood, who suffered from cancerous tumours and endured chemo-therapy and radiotherapy.

Kelly, a pupil at Bradford Cathedral Community Coll-ege, died in December.

There is a limited number of tickets available for the ceremony. Anyone interested is asked to ring (01274) 726326.