LATEST NEWS: COMMUNITY STARS AWARDS: A night of reflection and celebration after pandemic lay-off

THIS year’s Community Stars Awards have been postponed until next year amid ongoing Covid-19 concerns. 

The awards, organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council, aim to recognise Bradfordians who have gone above and beyond the call of the duty.
But with concern over the spread of the Omicron variant, the decision has been taken to

hold the ceremony in spring of next year.

Nigel Burton, editor of the Telegraph & Argus, said: "The Community Stars Awards are one of the highlights of the T&A’s year – a chance to celebrate some of Bradford’s unsung heroes and give them the recognition they so richly deserve.

"Community Stars are truly the people’s awards because T&A readers cast their votes for the winners.

"But concern over the spread of the omicron variant of Covid-19, and sustained community transmission of the Delta variant, mean that postponing the awards is the right thing to do. We want everyone to have a safe Christmas and a happy New Year. The best way to do that is by following the Government’s safety advice.

"I’m looking forward to saluting our Community Stars in 2022."

There are 12 categories in the awards. The ‘good neighbour’ category, sponsored by Incommunities, celebrates those who support the people around them.

The ‘outstanding contribution to early years’ award is sponsored by Better Start Bradford, and will recognise those who “have a hugely positive impact on the life of babies, young children and their families”.

The third category, ‘shared values in action’, is for the people and initiatives which help to make the Bradford district a place where everyone feels safe, understood and able to fully participate in the opportunities available to them. It is sponsored by Bradford for Everyone and People Can.

The ‘voluntary and community group’ award category, sponsored by Volunteering Bradford, will recognise groups “run for the benefit of local residents”, while ‘volunteer of the year’ will pay tribute to “a resident who goes out of his or her way to provide a crucial community service”.

The ‘young active citizens’ award will celebrate younger volunteers, while ‘the business making a difference’ category will “shine a spotlight on the district’s companies which go the extra mile”.

‘Fundraiser of the year’ will acknowledge the “huge efforts” made to create change in communities, while the ‘outstanding student of the year’ award comes after another year which has been interrupted by coronavirus.

New categories have also been introduced this year to recognise the responses to Covid-19. These include ‘Covid community star’, ‘Covid business star’ and ‘Covid public service star’.