Youngsters took centre stage at St George's Hall to bask in applause as Bradford celebrated a year of educational achievement.

Pupils and the adults supporting them were honoured in the huge awards ceremony thrown by Education Bradford.

Around 300 people collected awards and the packed hall was entertained by the cream of the district's young talent.

The successful nominees ranged from an Asian girls' football team to a blind boy who had learned to ride a bike. Some youngsters were named for outstanding academic achievement, others for making progress against the odds.

A host of teachers and support staff were also invited along to collect awards for their contributions to school life.

Welcoming the 1,200-strong audience, Education Bradford boss Mark Pattison said the celebration night would be the first of many and was the start of a campaign to promote the importance of education across the district.

He said schools had had a very difficult job in nominating just a few pupils and adults apiece.

"Many, many more deserve recognition and could have been nominated tonight," he said. "Think of these people as representatives of the wider group who deserve recognition. Enjoy the evening and feel proud."

Guests presenting awards included: Hamayun Arshad, chairman of Bradford Black and Asian Governors Forum, Dr Amina Ahmed, from Airedale General Hospital, Iestyn Williams, of Serco, Robbie Paul and Shontayne Hape, of Bradford Bulls, and Perry Austin-Clarke, Editor of the Telegraph & Argus.

The awards come a week after the Bradford district was revealed to be the fastest-improving in the country at primary level.

Councillor David Ward, executive member for education, said: "There have been some massive changes in education recently which seldom occurs without a lot of stress and trauma. There have been heroic performances from people to help bring about the achievement levels we have seen. We are improving and can improve even more."

Bradford magician Shahid Malik and his wife Lisa entertained the crowd with one of their breathtaking trademark illusions and Nicola Gates, sister of chart-topping Gareth, rounded the night off in glamorous style when she got up on stage to perform a number.She also helped in presenting some of the awards to pupils like Leon Smith from Guard House Primary, pictured.

Kay Lindley, head teacher at Victoria Primary, nominated her school's girls' football team. The seven youngsters, all Asian, are trailblazers at the school.

"Girls have never been forthcoming in their enthusiasm before for team games, but this group stay behind on a Tuesday," she said. "They look really smart in their new blue and yellow kit."

At Baildon CE Primary, head teacher Jean Binns nominated Sophie Cunliffe, a Year Five pupil who is deaf.

"She has lost more and more of her hearing, but she does really well and takes part in the choir - she even sang a solo during Mary Had a Baby," she said.

"We have a lot of very talented children in Bradford but get a lot of adverse publicity, so it was a good idea to get the schools to nominate children."

e-mail: sarah.walsh @bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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