YORKSHIRE'S premier awards scheme for Asian young achievers closes for entries on Friday, July 15.

The Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards – known as “the YAYAs” – are in their third year and shortlisted candidates will be invited to a celebration dinner in November to receive their awards.

The YAYAs are open to any young person, aged 16 to 30, of South Asian heritage who was born in, or lives and works in, Yorkshire.

Aimed at rising stars who have overcome deprivation and disadvantage, or have broken down traditional barriers to progress, the YAYAs attracted scores of entries from throughout the county last year and highlighted many outstanding achievers.

Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, Chief Executive of the QED Foundation charity, which organises the awards, said: “We’ve had some fabulous entries already but we’d love to see more so we’re urging would-be entrants to hurry because the July 15 deadline is approaching rapidly.

“The YAYAs are fast becoming recognised as the premier awards scheme to showcase the achievements of young South Asians and winning one of our prestigious titles is a real feather-in-the-cap which can help provide a stepping stone to a bright future.”

The awards are in 11 categories –  for Achievement in School or College; Health/Mental Health and Healthcare; The Arts and Creative Industries; the Private Sector; Media; Education; the Public Sector; the Not-for-Profit Sector; Achievement as a Young Entrepreneur; Sport; and Achievement in Overcoming Life Obstacles – and an overall Young Achiever of the Year is chosen from among the individual award winners.

Details of how to enter the YAYAs can be found at: theyayas.org.uk or via: qed-uk.org.

The YAYAs will be presented at a gala dinner at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, on November 11, hosted by BBC TV and Radio presenter and stand-up comedian, Noreen Khan.

York St John University is the primary sponsor of the YAYAs. Other sponsors and supporters of the awards include: Morrisons, The National Science & Media Museum, Barnado’s, the Home Office, the University of Bradford, Bradford Council, LanguageCert, the University of York, Regal, LOCALiQ, My Lahore, Exa Networks, Leeds City Council, Cedar Court Hotels, and Banner.