BLACK and minority ethnic role models in the Tees Valley are to be crowned at the first awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements.

The event will honour a range of individuals and groups, from organisations working at grassroots level, to community leaders and emerging stars.

The Tees Valley Black and Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards are appealing for nominations in various categories, including youth, community, business, housing and public sector.

Presentations will also be made to a Diversity Champion and Woman of the Year, while a Lifetime Achievement Award recognises sustained commitment.

The event, on Friday, September 17, at the Thistle Hotel, in Middlesbrough, will also feature an ethnic meal, speeches and entertainment.

It is being organised by the Black and Minority Ethnic Network, which helps people from different backgrounds contribute to the social and economic regeneration of Middlesbrough.

A fortnight ago, Middlesbrough staged the 20th Mela, the town’s version of the legendary Notting Hill carnival, which attracted more than 30,000 revellers from across the region.

And on Sunday it is hosting the Sikh festival of Nagar Kirtan with a procession through the town.

There will be music and the singing of the Sikh holy scriptures on the journey from Lorne Street Sikh Temple to Centre Square.

It is expected that more than 1,000 people will attend including Sikhs from temples in Thornaby, Darlington, Sunderland, Newcastle, South Shields and Middlesbrough.

Idrees Rashid, Black and Minority Ethnic Network coordinator, said the ethnic community made a huge contribution to life, not just in Middlesbrough, but across the whole of the Tees Valley.

“These awards are a chance to celebrate that contribution, and to recognise the talented and committed individuals who have played a major part in its success,” he said.

“It’s also an opportunity to give deserved recognition to some of our unsung heroes, both individuals and organisations whose work makes a real difference to the world we live in.”

He added: “These inaugural awards will capture the multicultural spirit of the Tees Valley. I would urge people to make their nominations for the individuals and groups who have inspired others and worked exceptionally hard to achieve success.”

The closing date for nominations is noon on Friday, August 27. For further information visit bmeawards.co.uk or email info@bmeawards.co.uk