Singer Gareth Gates hit the stage in his home city as stars united to honour the talents of young people from across Bradford at a glittering award ceremony on Saturday.

The former Bradford Cathedral choirboy was joined by Bradford Bulls’ legend Brian Noble, former Waterloo Road actor Tom Milner and more than 300 guests at One In A Million’s fourth annual Stars Awards, which celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome difficulties with the help of the charity.

The main One In A Million Star Award went to 14-year-old Joe McLoughlin, of Odsal, who has been attending the charity’s Kidz Club and Streetwise Football sessions for more than seven years.

After experiencing problems at school, he joined One In A Million Alternative Education Unit at Valley Parade, where mentors say he has made “significant progress” in improving his behaviour and in his education.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Joe said: “I’m stunned. I’ve been going to One In A Million football sessions since they started and I haven’t missed a week.

“They’ve really helped me so much.”

Other winners at the ceremony, held at Bradford Grammar School, included Football Young Person of the Year Ben Murgatroyd and James Habergham, who was awarded Athletics Young Person of the Year for his passion and commitment to athletics, which has seen him gain a place at the National Young Coaches Academy in London.

Jessica Woodhouse, whose love of singing saw her record a CD though the charity’s Rock Stars programme, took home the Arts Young Person of the Year award and also performed a song which she helped write.

West Yorkshire Police worker Gary Stevens was named as the One In A Million Volunteer of the year in recognition of the time and passion he has shown for the One In A Million projects. Wayne Jacobs, co-founder of One In A Million and former Bradford City star, said: “The Stars Awards are a real highlight of our year - for the charity, the young people and the volunteers - as it rewards them for their outstanding achievements.

“It was fantastic to see so many people supporting us and we are honoured that Gareth, a Bradford-success story himself, gave up his time to help us celebrate the achievements of the young people of this city.

“Our passion and hopes are to break negative statistics that hover over the lives of many young people. We are working hard to change these and provide a real hope for their future.”