AN awards scheme celebrating the achievements of young Asians in the region is launched today.

The Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards (YAYAs) are open to any young person of South Asian heritage born in, or who lives and works in, the county.

It is the second year of the awards scheme, which – despite the challenges of the pandemic and having to be held virtually in 2020 – saw scores of entries for the debut event.

The YAYAs are organised by Bradford-based charity QED Foundation, together with headline partner York St John University.

This year, a glittering gala awards night is due to take place at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford on November 4.

Dr Mohammed Ali, chief executive of QED, said: "Yorkshire has more than 600,000 BME residents, the vast majority of whom are of South Asian origin, and they continue to struggle to overcome disadvantages in making their way in the world – whether that is in education, employment or social mobility generally.

"We know there are many dynamic, hard-working young people achieving great things across the whole county and these awards are intended to celebrate their achievements and efforts.

"The standard of entries last year was truly remarkable. We had humbling and life-affirming stories of people overcoming the odds to carve their way in life and we feel enormously proud of all those who entered. They were all truly inspirational."

The awards look to recognise success and effort in overcoming challenges and barriers, be they social, economic, personal or simply the result of traditional or historical attitudes or circumstances, he said.

Rob Hickey, chief operating officer at York St John University, said: "This was a hugely-successful event in its inaugural year and York St John University is proud to be supporting the YAYAs once again.

"The awards highlight examples of personal endeavour, selfless determination and breaking barriers; qualities which we value and look to replicate in what we do.

“We saw some exceptional examples of these qualities in the entries for the first year, which was a tremendous success. We look forward to seeing many more inspirational entries this year."

Award categories are achievement in school or college, health/mental health and healthcare, the arts and creative industries, the private sector, media, education, the public sector, the not-for-profit sector, achievement as a young entrepreneur, sport and achievement in overcoming life obstacles.

For details of how to enter, visit theyayas.org.uk or qed-uk.org. The closing date for nominations is July 19.