WOMEN living and working in Keighley are in the running for awards at an annual ceremony established to recognise the achievements of unsung female heroes in Keighley and Bradford.

They are among the finalists who have been announced for the fourth Bradford Inspirational Women Awards.

The winners will be revealed at the ceremony on Saturday March 28 in Life Centre, Wapping Road, Bradford.

Finalists from Keighley include assistant head teacher Sally Layas, childcare worker Shazia Mehrban, sports development officer and former rugby league player Saima Hussain and boxer Ambreen Sadiq.

The Inspirational Women Foundation hosts the Bradford Inspirational Women Awards each year. The 2015 award ceremony will be presented by broadcasters, Sunny and Shay Grewal.

Guests will include athlete and Paralympic head coach Paula Dunn, who said: “I’m very honoured and humbled to be the chief guest at this great event especially celebrating women’s achievement and, as a Bradford-born woman, it makes it so much more special to be in attendance.”

Jane Vincent, a co-founder of the awards event, said, “Now more than ever before, it is so important that we highlight and salute the extraordinary accomplishments of formidable women not just in the public but the private sphere also.

"It is imperative that we celebrate their achievements and also stand united and strong in our continued goal of female empowerment and equality.”

Sally, of Holy Family, is a finalist in the teacher of the year section.

Her citation features her response to the Peshawar school massacre, in Pakistan, when she initiated a "hugs on offer" day to counter the terrorists' message of hatred.

Sally said she wanted to show that love was more powerful than hate, adding that it had been simple to encourage pupils to take part and promote something positive.

Shazia, who is in the employee category, has been working in childcare since 2005, starting out as a volunteer at Keighley Kiddy Care before gaining a job at Highfield preschool.

Her citation states: "During the holidays, when Shazia was meant to have time off, she worked with children with special needs. She is totally committed to her work and the children she works with."

20-year-old Ambreen and 35-year-old Saima are both in the sports category.

Saima was the first Muslim woman to play Rugby League for Yorkshire, after being introduced to the sport when she was nine-years-old.

She is now a sports development officer and helps raise the profile of women's rugby league.

Ambreen is the first Muslim woman boxer to fight at a professional level, and became a UK national champion at the age of 16.

Her citation reads: "Ambreen paid no attention to those who disapproved of her boxing for cultural reasons, and has since continued to compete at national championships. She is working towards competing internationally."