TV celebrity and Bradford lass Linda Barker returned to her roots to pay tribute to unsung heroes across the district.

The designer, who originates from Shelf, said she was "delighted" to be given the opportunity to pay homage to seven individuals and projects which have helped to make the city a better place to live.

Linda was the star attraction at the glitzy event, held at Grattan Stadium, Odsal, last night, on behalf of Bradford Vision. It is the second time the organisation has held the event.

The star had travelled up to the city for the evening, where members of her family still live.

She said: "My dad is still in Shelf, where we grew up. I have been working with Bradford City Regeneration to promote the city and it is great to be asked to do this tonight.

"The vision for 2020 is really important, I have a huge fondness for Bradford and if I can get involved to promote it in a positive light then I will.

"It is a beautiful city with some beautiful buildings, some of the best in the whole country, which are part of its heritage and I think it can still be a great city. It will be a very different city, but it should be great again.

"It is great Westfield has started some work, it will be great to see some shops to rival Leeds."

Helen Platts, neighbourhood renewal director for Bradford Vision, said: "It is fantastic Linda has come to up to the event to support us. She always has such tremendous energy when she's in Bradford and gives events such as these real kudos.

"She is really keen to see the Bradford 2020 Vision come to life and she was excited to meet some of those people making Bradford the place where we all want to live in 2020.

"As soon as we opened the awards, we found out about the great things people are doing, they are really exceptional. There is a lot of good work going on."

Winners included:

  • Active Citizen: Ikram Butt, of the British Asian Rugby Association
  • Young Citizen: Uzma Zahid
  • Neighbourhood Renewal: Simon Loveitt

Other community awards went to:

  • Business Supporting Community: Ciba
  • 2020 Vision: Linking Communities
  • Enterprise: Gumption Centres Ltd
  • Voluntary Service: Community Parent Volunteers