VALLEY Parade and a former Bantam will feature on a prime-time TV show tonight.

As part of a new series of Jay's Yorkshire Workshop highlighting and recognising unsung heroes across the district, episode five - which airs at 9pm on BBC Two -  will see fan favourite Billy Clarke nominate Bradford City Community Foundation's Qasim Akhtar for his heroics throughout the pandemic. 

Presented by The Repair Shop's Jay Blades, Qasim will receive a bespoke snooker cue which has been hand crafted by expert woodworker Ciaran and his team, in the show's Little Germany workshop.

During last year's lockdown, Qasim - while assisted by Billy - helped provide thousands of free meals for those in the greatest need in Bradford, who had been left in financial difficulty during the pandemic.

He said: “There has obviously been a lack of income for people. During this time, it has been difficult just not knowing where your next meal will come from.

“If the demand is there in the community, then that is what we are there for, and I see it as our responsibility.

“I do not see it as going beyond. This is our role; our responsibility and we live in this community. Love thy neighbour, and all that!”

Billy - who represented City over three spells - added: “I have had first-hand experience with Qasim and of the work he does in the community, helping the local people of Bradford City.

“Especially at a time like this, he deserves everything he gets.”

In each episode, members of the public nominate local heroes from across Yorkshire to receive a bespoke, hand-made piece of wooden furniture to recognise the work they do for their community, often going above and beyond. 

Jay hears first-hand what makes each local hero special, and why they are deserving of this 'thank you'.