Bradford Council has received a record number of nominations for its awards scheme to celebrate the achievements of young people.

A total of 250 nominations flooded in for the Young Citizen Awards, which honour youngsters who have gone an extra mile to achieve their goals or help others.

Soap and sports stars have signed up to appear at the award ceremony, at St George’s Hall, on Wednesday, March 17.

Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe, and Verity Rushworth, who plays Donna Dingle-Windsor, will join Cor-onation Street actors Nikki Patel and Mikey North, who play Amber Kalirai and Gary Windass.

They will present prizes to winners along with BBC presenter Christa Ackroyd, and Bradford City and Bradford Bulls players at the Oscars-style evening organised by Bradford Council and partner agencies.

The fourth annual awards, backed by the Telegraph & Argus, also reflect the Council’s B-Someone campaign, which is about encouraging children and young people to fulfil their potential and boost their skills.

The categories come from the Government’s Every Child Matters Agenda – they are Be Healthy, Staying Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Making a Positive Contribution, and Achieving Economic Wellbeing.

Last year’s Outstanding Achievement Award winner Mariam Ahmed, 20, of West Bowling, Bradford, will also be talking about her experiences since scooping the prize and how it has inspired her to further help others.

Councillor Michael Kelly, the Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said: “These awards give us the opportunity to recognise and shout about the achievements of our young people and it’s wonderful to see local stars also coming on board to mark the occasion.”

For free tickets phone Asma Shaheen on (01274) 436006, or e-mail asma.shaheen@bradford.gov.uk.