A support group run by disabled people, for disabled people, has been nominated for Government-backed social care 'Oscars'.

The first Social Care Awards will be handed out at a ceremony on Wednesday at Lancaster House in London, attended by ministers and celebrities Janet Street-Porter and Tony Robinson.

Bradford's Asian Disability Network (ADN) has been nominated for the prestigious awards, and stands to win £5,000 if it comes out on top at Wednesday's ceremony.

The project is funded by the Health Action Zone and is based at the Assisi Centre in Leeds Road.

It offers counselling, advice and information and workers will act as advocates for Asian disabled people.

Members also liaise at a high level with Bradford Council to ensure appropriate services are offered to local disabled people, which are culturally specific and relevant. Campaigners recently took council chief executive Ian Stewart to visit Asian families caring for disabled people, so he could understand their needs.

The aim of the awards is to share good practice nationally and boost morale in the hard-pressed social care sector.

Mohammed Shabbir, project manager, said the network was unique because disabled people were represented at all levels in the organisation.

Asif Hussain, the chairman, is blind and there are other disabled committee members, including Zahid Hussain.

Mr Hussain, 27, of Heaton, who has cerebral palsy, said: "The network gets disabled people talking about the problems we have got."

Mr Shabbir added that everyone was delighted to be nominated for the award.

The Network is among 23 finalists, whittled down from 700 applications.

Health minister John Hutton said: "This is just the sort of project I want to see recognised by the new Social Care Awards. People from ethnic minorities deserve equal access to services and information, and I commend the work of ADN, who are very active in making sure that happens. I am very pleased this scheme has been included on the final shortlist for this award."

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