COLLECTIVE Impact's Jerry Crawford has been named as the winner of the Voluntary & Community Group award.

Hundreds of Bradfordians voted for the community worker who has dedicated years of his life to events, celebrations and efforts to boost equality.

From fundraising to save the Checkpoint West Indian Centre in 2017 to performing at the Black History Month Community Festival in 2010, those who nominated Jerry said he is "very much about his heritage and fighting for equality".

He is also a key part of shouting up about the history and heritage of Bradford's Windrush generation and the lasting impact as a result of Windrush.

When asked how it felt to win the award, Jerry congratulated the two finalists who were also shortlisted for the award.

Jerry told the Telegraph & Argus: "First of all I would like to congratulate my fellow finalist Paul Stephenson and Wendy Lewis for the time and effort they give to their community. Right now I feel so many emotions - happy, overwhelmed, delighted. It makes me proud and I see it as acknowledging all the vital and good work that my colleagues do.

"Spending time enriching our community is a great way to broaden our perceptions of the world. By immersing ourselves in our community and surrounding ourselves with people who are positive and dedicated to bettering our community."

In a year that has seen communities pull together to weather the storm of the pandemic - whether it be the emotional, financial or physical toll - Collective Impact has been at the heart of efforts to make sure no one is left behind.

Jerry said: "The coronavirus outbreak and following containment measures is having a long-lasting impact on our communities. More people need support emotional, spiritual, social, financial, educational, medical, physical, environmental and more.

"As an organisation we have had to make rapid changes how we operate as well as adapt to changing circumstances in our personal lives.

"Collective Impact is not a one man band show it relies upon good people to support us in practical ways by donating their time skills and their talents to work in unity to help make our community projects successful.

"Over the decades we have done community work in many communities in Bradford and the local surrounding areas raising awareness on many different issues from having fun at festivals, raising funds for the homeless. But the one that sticks out in my mind was the Black Lives Matter protest. I was so proud of our Bradfordians showing their support fighting for equality and fighting against injustice.

"As a Collective we can make an Impact."

In a message to those who nominated the group, Jerry said: "Thank you very much. I really appreciate all your support because of your trust, encouragement and confidence we strive to be good people to make our community a better place.

"We would like to give a special thank you to Cllr Bev Mullaney who has always supported us in so many ways.

"All who know me know that I like to party so when Covid calms down we will be having our celebration party and you are all invited."