MORE than 30 university and college graduates from Burnley's Bangladeshi community will receive special certificates as the community honours its achievers.

Around 2,000 Bangladeshi-origin people live in Burnley - most in the poorest Daneshouse area of town.

But more and more are coming through to score personal successes, educationally and professionally.

In the last two years, two have qualified as medics - one becoming a surgeon at a London hospital - while others have achieved success in the business world.

To mark their work, special Community Awards will be handed out for the first time as the community holds its Bangladesh Independence Day celebration on December 14.

The event has been organised by Burnley and Pendle Bangladesh Community Council. Its president, Coun Mozaquir Ali, says the aim is to present the awards annually.

"We want to acknowledge the contributions of the Bangladeshi community in the fields of education, sport, youth and community development and its work with women."

Coun Ali said the event in Daneshouse Community Centre would also recognise the work of people from outside the community on behalf of Bangladeshis.

Special guests at the celebrations include the High Commissioner for Bangladesh, local MPs, council leaders and other dignitaries.

The Independence celebration is being organised in conjunction with the newly-formed Burnley Youth Movement, whose members will perform a drama based on the Independence of Bangladesh.

In addition they will display an Independence Day exhibition at the centre.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.