EAST Lancashire volunteers, charity champions and entrepreneurs are represented in the 2015 Fusion Awards shortlist.

The region’s biggest awards event of its kind will take place in front of 400 guests on Saturday, May 30 in the Concert Hall, King George’s Hall, Blackburn.

Community groups such as the Lancashire Women’s Centres, which celebrate their 30th anniversary this year, are shortlisted.

The Woman of the Year Award rewards individuals who are going out of their way to inspire others. Rashmi Barker of Darwen is taking part a 50-mile journey on her hand-powered bike.

The Man of the Year Award includes Rizwan Iqbal, who through his artwork has highlighted important issues. Bashir Ahmed is a cancer Survivor and campaigner.

The Fusion Awards 2015 list: Man of the Year: Bashir Ahmed; Rizwan Iqbal; Dr Asim Shahmalak.

Woman of the Year: Rashmi Barker; Jyoti Karri; Joanne Booth.

Community Group of the Year: Aashiyana Women’s Group; Bolton Hindu Elders Initiative (BHAI); Freehold Community Group; Lancashire Women’s Centres (Various); Vision (Oldham); Fair For All.

Public Service Award: Anas Ounia; Inspector Umer Khan; Dr Yasmin Sajjad Qamar Shazad; Juliette Guerin.

Youth Leadership Award: Haris Ali; Brierfield Action in the Community; Hansa Ahmed; Mini Muslimah Crew; Slyncs.

Entrepreneur of the Year Vaishakhi Chhotai-Doshi; Talib Hussain; Asif Timol and Salman Bariwala; Safiya Ugradar.

Community Cohesion Award: Commemoration of the Jullundur Brigade; ‘Let Us Remember’ Blackburn; Rev Dr Anderson Jeremiah; Nick Yardley ‘The Towers of Babel’; Star Festival Preston 2014.

Individual awards will be awarded on the night for the UTC Bolton Education Achievement Award, The Aksa Home Neighbourhood Champion, Achievement in Sport Award, The Mumtaz Ellahi Community Sport Award and the Community Achievement Award 2015.

For further information, please call 01254 298263.