Community worker Mohammed Amran was today announced the winner of the Community Builder category for this year's Beacon Prize.  He was chosen by a panel of judges after the public nominated him for his outstanding contribution to charity.

Mohammed, who comes from an inner city area of Bradford, was chosen for his work in Bradford and further afield in community projects, conflict resolution and fundraising.

Mohammed came to prominence following the Bradford riot in 1995 when he helped arrange dialogue between police and young people, setting up the Young People's Forum as a result. At the age of 22, he was the youngest ever Commissioner for the Commission for Racial Equality. He has been a diligent volunteer for the local community for over ten years, and has actively been involved in encouraging young people to embrace the concept of good citizenship.

Mohammed, now 29, was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford in 2002 for his work; he was also selected to organise the first National Holocaust Memorial Day, and he has also carried out a study on the issue of disability in the Asian community. In addition to his charitable community work, Mohammed has raised funds for several good causes, including the Prince's Trust, the Lord Mayor's Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Emily Stonor, Chief Executive of Beacon, said "Mohammed's fabulous work in Bradford is a great example of the good work that people can do for their local area. His work in helping bring people together after a difficult time in the town has had a positive effect on the community, and is an inspiration for people across Britain."

Mohammed added, "It is an honour to receive this award. It is good to see the community cohesion work done in my local area gain national recognition. I am proud to help in my community and hope that people around the country are now encouraged to do the same - one person really can make a difference." 

The Beacon Prize celebrates and raises the profile of charitable giving in the UK by giving recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to charity, whether through giving resources, time or specialist skills. John is one of the 2004 Beacon Prize winners, who also include Sir Bob Geldof and Jamie Oliver.

ENDS For further information please contact Jennifer Morgan on 020 7861 8609 or email jmorgan@bell-pottinger.co.uk. or Emily Stonor at Beacon on 020 7849 6550 or email emily.stonor@beaconfellowship.org.uk

Editors Notes: BEACON PRIZE 2004   Dr Mohammed Amran for his contribution in the field of community work, especially with young people and with regard to racial equality

Prize Category: Community Builder

Mohammed Amran came to prominence following the Bradford riot in 1995 when, at the age of 20, he helped arrange dialogue between police and young people, setting up the Young People's Forum as a result. Two years later, he was appointed the youngest ever Commissioner for the Commission for Racial Equality. He has been a passionate volunteer for the local community for over ten years, and is actively involved in encouraging young people to embrace the concept of good citizenship. 

From Bradford's inner city, Mohammed left school with no formal qualifications. He became heavily involved in local and youth programmes, and was on the front line of conflict resolution after the disturbances in Manningham, Bradford, enabling young people to have an open and honest dialogue with the police. He then set up the 'Young People's Forum' to give a voice to young people.

At 22, Mohammed was appointed to the Commission for Racial Equality due to his exceptional ability in getting young people involved in issues and matters which relate to them, both locally and nationally. In his capacity as a Commissioner, he took the lead in organising the first National Holocaust Memorial Day.

Mohammed has been involved in numerous community schemes and projects: he established the Springcliffe Centre, a drop-in centre for young people; he has set up conferences and workshops in London, Bradford, and Vienna, such as "Youth Action Day" and "How to Tackle Xenophobia and Racism." His campaigns include Police Briefings and Community Safety, Youth Build as well as community clean-ups and day trips. He has also fundraised for the Prince's Trust, the Lord Mayor's Appeal, and Macmillan Cancer Relief, to name but a few.

In 1998, Mohammed received an award from the British Council Youth Millennium Awards to look into disability in the Asian community and gained a professional qualification in Youth and Community Work.  He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford in 2002 for his work with disadvantaged young people in the Bradford area and for his contributions in the field of race relations. He is now married with three children.

"Mohammed Amran has given much of his time to many organizations and charities.  His attendance on these committees has opened the door for other young people to attend and become part of the policy making process." Peter Tate, Former Chair of the Prince's Trust 1993-2003

"Mohammed Amran has been an excellent role model for young people in the Bradford area and has contributed to encouraging young people to be self-supportive and active citizens. He has worked tirelessly to improve their self-esteem and empower them to become good role models for others." Councillor Choudhary Rangzeb, Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust (Beacon) seeks to promote an improved culture of giving, in which it is natural for those who are best able to contribute to charitable and social causes, to use their time, energy, ability and resources for the public good.

The Beacon Prize is an annual awards scheme designed to recognise and showcase individuals who have made exceptional contributions to charitable or social causes.  The winners are likely to have helped create or transform a charity, project or cause through providing leadership, skill, time or money.

www.beaconfellowship.org.uk for press releases and biographies of the winners

Beacon Prize Winners 2004:

• Sir Bob Geldof - Leadership
• Dr Mohammad Amran - Community Builder
• Rosalind Portman - New Initiatives
• Professor Peter Guthrie - Creative Giving
• Bruce Crowther - Creative Giving
• Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson - Risk Taking
• Jake Bonsall - Young Philanthropist
• Jamie Oliver - Most Generous Celebrity
• John Studzinsky - Most Generous Business Leader
• Francesca D'Arcy - Most Generous Young Person
• Major Richard Carr-Gomm - Lifetime Achievement
• Sigrid Rausing - Judges' Special Prize
• Dr Frederick Mulder - Judges' Special Prize Ann Cotton - Judges' Special Prize
• Dr Mora Scott - Scotland
• Sir David Rowe-Beddoe - Wales
• Dennis Humble - England
• Niall Fitzduff - Northern Ireland