He may have a million-selling single under his belt but Gareth Gates was not number one at a Bradford award ceremony last night.

The East Bowling heart throb had been nominated for the best performer award at the Youth at the Oscars ceremony at the church where he had first sung.

But he was pipped to the title by little known rapper Marcus Lee.

Marcus, 20, also from East Bowling, was among the 240 people from all over the city who attended the event at the Abundant Life Centre.

Awards were presented to young people and those who worked with the young, in categories recognising everything from musical ability to volunteer work. But Gareth, who sent a video message apologising for missing the ceremony, could be content with his outstanding achievement award.

Marcus, who works for Bradford Council, impressed the judges with animated hip hop performances at the church's talent nights.

He said: "It was pretty scary being up against someone like Gareth.

"But I think with all he has achieved, he can let me have this one.

"To succeed in music is my dream. My raps are about life, God and about girls."

Chantal Charles took two prizes - the serving heart award and the leading woman of the year award.

A-level student Chantal, 18, of West Bowling, said: "Gareth's success has given us confidence and hopefully it can open the door to success for other youngsters from Bradford.

"He has got people thinking: if Gareth can do it, why not us?"

Joyce Thacker, head of Bradford Council's Youth Service, was given a lifetime achievement award.

For the young guests it must have felt as if the Oscars had really come to town for the night as they made their into the centre across a red carpet and past a giant golden statue.

Many of them have been involved in projects organised by the church, which claims to have reached 20,000 youngsters through such projects as school rock clubs and anti-drugs campaigns.

Steve Gambill, youth pastor at the church, said: "It is about time people recognised young people for their achievements instead of focusing on the negative elements.

"There are so many talented people here and I am sure a number of them who could be as big as Gareth if they were given the chance."