NOMINATIONS are now open for the Bolton Black and Asian Achievement Awards (BBAAA) 2006.

The awards aim to recognise those who have worked to overcome racism and inequality and made an outstanding contribution to Bolton's black and Asian community.

Winners will be awarded at a glittering ceremony at Bolton Town Hall, on Friday, October 27, where guests will celebrate with a traditional meal and entertainment.

Acts performing on the night include dance trio 3flow DJ, jaz musician John Conway and Bolton's X-Factor contenstant Anna Calvert.

The awards are held in October to coincide with Black History Month.

BBAAA Chairman, Donald Gayle, said: "This year, the awards are about the unsung heroes of the community.

"There are a lot of people who are doing genuinely good work as volunteers and not being recognised as fully as they should be.

"It might be a foster carer who has taken in asylum seekers or a teacher who stays behind to help people with their English after school. People in Bolton are very good at working together and these people are really the backbone to the community."

The first BBAAA award was presented to Boxing Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan, in 2004, for his positive attitude and outstanding achievement.

This year's awards have been split into the following categories: Young Person Achievement Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; Asylum/ Refugees Community Project Award; Community Mother of the Year Award; Community Father of the Year Award; Breaking the Barriers Award; Role Model/ Mentor of the Year Award; Community Group Volunteer Award.

Nominations can be sent to Hayley Wooley, First Floor, 170 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 3BA or made by visiting www.baaa.org.uk.

Tickets are also available for the ceremony and are priced £25 a head, or £200 for a table of ten. Voluntary and non-profit making organisations can attend free of charge.

The deadline for nominations and bookings is Friday, October 20.

For more information contact 01204 848857.