The deadline for nominations for this year’s Fusion Awards ceremony is fast approaching.

The event has helped to highlight the fantastic work of volunteers, charity workers and entrepreneurs throughout the North West.

The ceremony in 2017 will be held in Blackburn on Saturday, May 13.

The awards attract audiences from 15 different towns and cities in the region, as well as people from all backgrounds, cultures and religions.

It is the biggest celebration of its kind in the North of England.

You can nominate yourself or someone else. All entrants must be based in the North West with the closing date for all nominations March 31.

Finalists will attend a glittering ceremony in front of 450 guests.

HOW TO NOMINATE
Take a quick look at the categories listed and send your nomination to news@asianimage.co.uk or nominate@thefusionawards.co.uk or post to: Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 1HT.

Please supply 400 words on why you your chosen organisation should be a finalist at this year’s event. The Fusion Awards recognises people from all backgrounds and religions. 

Community Cohesion Award
This is awarded to an individual or group who has helped to break down cultural and religious barriers between communities through pioneering voluntary or paid work. It recognises the achievements of people or groups who have made a significant impact on multicultural, anti-racism or community cohesion issues.

Man of the Year
The Man of the Year award is presented annually to performers who have made a lasting and impressive contribution to their community or excelled in their chosen career or has battled through against the odds.

Woman of the Year
The Woman of the Year awards is presented annually to individuals who have made a lasting and impressive contribution to their community or excelled in their chosen career or has battled through against the odds.

Entrepreneur of the Year
This award is presented to the most successful and innovative entrepreneurial business leaders around the North West. As well as celebrating entrepreneurial spirit it aims to reward  smaller and medium sized businesses who in the past year have had to make an extra effort to ensure their business reaches new heights.

Youth Leadership Award
This award recognises the achievements of a person or group who has portrayed a positive image of young people in our community. It is specifically aimed at rewarding initiatives that have involved young people and is presented to a young person or group who has helped to dispel myths about their community or has volunteered for the betterment of others.

Community Group of the Year
This award aims to reward community and voluntary groups that make a valued contribution to the towns and cities in which they reside. In particular, it celebrates groups that have carried out innovative or groundbreaking projects or helped to create harmony between different communities.

Public Service Award
This award aims to recognise those working in the public sector who have excelled in their chosen career or helped to implement innovative ideas and projects. It is presented to an individual who has excelled in a public service role or who has led a project that has had a positive impact on community relations, social inclusion, education and health and welfare.

Education Achievement  Award
This award is presented to a young person who has achieved outstanding grades at school or college level or has battled against the odds to complete their studies around the North West.

Three special awards will also be presented: The Achievement in Sport Award, Community Sports Organisers Award and a Lifetime Award.