CHAMPIONS of diversity who are making a difference to community relations in Bolton will be recognised at a gala awards ceremony tonight (Thursday).

The fourth annual Bolton Diversity Awards 2008, take place at Mercure Last Drop Village Hotel, in an evening of entertainment and celebration.

The ceremony will honour individuals and groups for their commitment to promoting diversity and cross-cultural relations in the town.

Bipin Patel, from organisers APNA News, said: “The evening will prove to be a glorious display of diversity coming together and offers something for everybody.

“It is events like these that bring people together and help to build those bridges that we so desperately need in these troubled times.”

More than 200 guests will enjoy a reception, sponsored by the North-west Regional Development Agency (NWDA). The guest speaker is Evelyn Asante-Mensah, diversity director for the agency.

Awards will be presented in a range of categories. Last year’s winners included John Lord, of Bolton Community Homes; Neil McAllister, of Bolton Respect Party; and Ish Patel, for his work with elderly members of the Asian community.

The hosts for the evening will be Reena Chauhan, event director, and Aazam Ahmad, BBC fusion food chef.

Ms Chauhan said: “We have spent weeks planning this event and it could not have come at a better time, given the success of Barack Obama being elected to be America’s next president.

“I am sure many on the evening will be raising a glass to celebrate that defining moment in history, and, like others, we have a higher level of expectation alongside a more willing attitude to get involved, because we know it can make a difference.”

The event’s main sponsors are the NWDA, Bolton at Home, Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Community Homes.

For more information about the event, contact APNA on 07973 16885