A DISTRICT NHS care trust has been shortlisted in two categories of a prestigious national awards scheme.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is a 'double finalist' in the Helpforce Champions Awards, which recognise contributions to volunteering in the health and care sector.

The trust is up for the top accolade in the Best Volunteer to Career Programme section.

And Catherine Jowitt, head of charity and volunteering, has made the shortlist in the Volunteer Lead of the Year category.

She says: "I’ve had the pleasure of leading the growth of volunteering in the trust to over 200 volunteers, supporting patients and staff.

"Seeing people embrace volunteering to give back to the NHS, in their own recovery or supporting their career aspirations, is an absolute pleasure.

"It is amazing to be shortlisted for an award."

Joanne Smith, clinical lead of the trust's Volunteer to Career scheme, says: "The possibility of winning an award is a dream come true.

"I have had the pleasure of working with the most committed staff and dedicated volunteers."

Mark Lever, of Helpforce, said the standard of submissions had been "extremely high" and he congratulated all those shortlisted.

The awards ceremony takes place in London in October.