Too often they are the silent heroes of the community. But last night Bradford was eager to recognise the work of the individuals and groups who have committed their lives to making the district a better place to live.

At a special civic ceremony in the grand surroundings of City Hall, their invaluable work was recognised at the city's first Community Harmony Awards.

From police officers to a curry house owner, Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Richard Wightman led the tributes to the 11 winners - and urged others to follow in their footsteps.

"If every one of us in Bradford district could follow some part of the excellent example of these people, we should certainly have a harmonious district," he said. "Bradford is a great place to live and one of its major assets is the people who live here. These awards are a great example of what people achieve every day in our district."

Each went up to collect a certificate from one of the panel of judges, which included Coun Wightman, Bradford Vision chief executive Sharmila Ghandi, Council chief executive Ian Stewart and Telegraph & Argus editor Perry Austin-Clarke.

Images of some of the nominees at work were projected on a huge screen in the plush banqueting suite as the guests greeted each winner with warm applause.

PC Glyn Butterworth received the individual award for his work with young people in the Keighley police division.

Two lifetime achievement awards were handed out to Keighley campaigner Charlie Bhowmick, pictured with PC Butterworth, and former Bradford policewoman Anne Griffin.

The winner of the young person's award was 21-year-old Naveed Hussain, who played a pivotal role in helping to rebuild the community of Manningham after the 2001 riots.

Bradford restaurant Balti Chef was handed the business community award. Former owner Javed Bashir, who now works for Education Bradford, collected the award.

SAFE, otherwise known as Mums' Army, which saw women take to the streets of Manningham, Girlington and Heaton in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, was named the best community group. Elizabeth Helmich collected the award.

The youth group award went to the Little Horton-based Josi Warner School of Dance, which has helped children from low income families towards careers in the arts.

The awards, the first of their kind, attracted more than 50 nominations, but organisers said they hoped to attract more next year.