Bradford is set to host a major celebration of its unsung heroes to mark the International Year of Volunteers.

Members of 60 voluntary groups will gather in Centenary Square on June 14 to publicise their achievements and promote their work across the district.

A marquee will be set up, with guests ranging from Bradford City and Bradford Bulls players to the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Stanley King.

Outstanding individuals and groups will be recognised for their work in an award ceremony.

This year was named as International Year of Volunteers by the United Nations to celebrate and promote the work of helpers across the world.

Bradford's party has been organised by the district's councils for voluntary service, who have teamed up to form the Volunteer Organisers Forum.

Tracey Harrison, of Craven Voluntary Action, said it was a unique event to reward those who gave their time to help others and whose efforts often went unrecognised.

She said: "Voluntary organisations will be there to show people what a diverse range of work they do and how people in Bradford get involved.

"They provide all sorts of support from checking up on an old lady who does not have contact with the outside world to helping out in community centres. We want to get the message across about how important they are, but show it can be fun too."

Organisers are now urging people to nominate others who made a major contribution to improving lives through their voluntary work.

There are three categories - outstanding volunteer, long-serving volunteer and volunteers showing initiative in launching a new project.

Nominations, together with an explanation of why the award should be granted in no more than 300 words, should be sent to John Crudeson, Bradford CVS, Sunbridge Road, Bradford by the end of May.