NOMINATIONS are being sought for local heroes from across the Tees Valley’s Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

This year’s BME Achievement Awards will recognise the wealth of achievement and talent across the area.

It’s up to local people to put forward the names of individuals and groups who have made the biggest contribution over the last year.

The evening will be chaired by Nazir Afzal and will feature an Indian dinner as well as key speeches by leading local figures, with special guests confirmed in the coming weeks.

BME Network Partnership Manager Idrees Rashid said: “The awards are now in their seventh year, and continue to go from strength-to-strength.

“The event is a true celebration of the individual and collective achievements of the diverse communities that make up the vibrant Tees Valley.

“Year in, year out they contribute their skills, talent and commitment to making this area thrive and prosper, while inspiring and promoting community cohesion.

“Once again we will be recognising the remarkable contributions made by many individuals and organisations across a range of sectors – and we’re keen to hear from local people who they would like to see pick up the awards.

“It’s an important opportunity to pay tribute to the tireless work of an array of talented and committed individuals – some well-known, some unsung - whose efforts make a real difference.”

Nominations for this year’s Achievement Awards close on Friday, September 11 and the event will culminate in a ceremony and dinner at the Middlesbrough - formerly Thistle - Hotel on Friday, September 25.

For more information or to make a nomination, visit bmeawards.co.uk or email info@bmeawards.co.uk