Guests from across the region gathered to celebrate the achievements of the community.

The Fusion Awards, now in their seventh year aimed to reward people from all backgrounds and cultures for their contributions in helping to make the region a better place to live.

The event was hosted by ITV Central presenter Sam Ali Khan and attended by 37 finalists and winners from across the region.

Among the winners on the night was Labonya Siddiqui of Burnley a burns victim who has become an inspiration to her community.

“I am really honoured to win this award.

“I think it is important that young people take advantage of the education opportunities they have. Many people in poor countries do not have these opportunities.

“When I lived in Bangladesh I badly wanted to go to school but could not. When I came here it was difficult to settle in as I had missed three years of schooling.”

John Magee of Blackburn was joint winner of the Community Cohesion Award. He said, “I am really humbled to be presented this award. It was just wonderful hearing all the stories and meeting so many inspirational people here tonight from across the region.”

John was presented the award by Cllr Salim Mulla the new mayor of Blackburn with Darwen. Before presenting the award he held asked for a minute’s silence in memory of drummer Lee Rigby who was murdered last week in Woolwich He said, “We are delighted to host this event in Blackburn. The voluntary sector is worth so much to communities and it is an honour to be presenting the community Cohesion award again this year.”

Shuiab Khan, Editor of Asian Image who supported the event said, “The past week has shown, there are powers that may wish to divide us but this room shows how united we all are as a community.

“The people here tonight aim to assist others regardless of who they are and where they come from. And it is this quality that has makes this event successful.”

Full list of Fusion award recipients Public Service Award: Beverly Taylor.

UcLan Education Achievement Award: Labonya Siddiqui.

Entrepreneur of the Year: Salma Choudhry.

Community Sports Award: Lionel Cooke Achievement in Sport Award: Junaid and Zuhaib Iqbal.

Community Group of the Year: Ivy Street Community Group.

Young Neighbourhood Champion: Mohammed Zaidi.

Youth Leadership Award: Sonalia Kaur & Aashana Devi Kaur.

Woman of the Year: Yvonne Leech.

Man of the Year: Oscar Brogden.

Community Cohesion Award: John Magee & Mohammed Ali Amla (Joint Winners)