The glitz and the glamour of the Asian Jewel Awards came to Manchester this month.

The Awards sponsored by Lloyds TSB aim to recognise achievements by Asian people across the UK with a series of events in Manchester, Birmingham and London. The remaining two award nights will take place in April and July.

Winners on the night included, Valli Patel (Chairman of Lancashire County Council), Usha Parmar, (Chief Executive of Sunrise Radio), Ms Zahida Manzoor CBE (Legal Services Ombudsman for England and Wales andMohammed Arshad Ali, (MD of Cheshire Homes UK)

Lifetime Achievement Asian Jewel Award were presented to Dr. Shiv Pande CBE Fellow ODA, national chairman of the International Doctors' Association and Mr Anil Ruia OBE, Director of Wrengate Limited.

Khalid Darr, Chairman of the Asian Jewel Awards, said, "Asian men and women are injecting energy into communities, bringing new qualities to the world of business, introducing fresh thinking to the arts, fashion and modern pop culture. Lloyds TSB is at the forefront of recognising the benefits of a diverse and multicultural society and we are delighted that they are sponsoring the Asian Jewel Awards 2004."

Mike Fairey, deputy chief executive of Lloyds TSB and a member of the judging panel, explained, "Lloyds TSB is committed to strengthening our relationships within the communities in which we do business.

"All the nominees are shining examples of Asian achievement in the UK. Sponsoring the Asian Jewel Awards is an ideal opportunity to recognise and celebrate the wealth of experience and expertise in the Asian community today."

The Awards received over 300,000 nominations nationwide.

FINALISTS (Winners in bold)

Media and Arts Asian Jewel Award

Mr. Shuiab Khan, editor, Asian Image Newspapers

Ms. Usha Parmar, chief executive, Sunrise Radio (Yorkshire)

Mr. So Rahman, presenter, Granada Television Regional Programmes

Ms. Shobna Gulati, actress, Coronation Street

Small Business Asian Jewel Award

Mr. Asif Sadiq, managing director, Javelin Computers

Mr. Dalbir Singh Sagoo, managing director and producer, BOXmedia

Mr. Yousuf Pandor, managing director, Deluxe Foods

Mr. Mohammed Arshad Ali, managing director, Cheshire Homes (UK) Ltd.

Business and Commerce Asian Jewel Award

Mr. Ajmail Dusanj and Mr. Sudarghara Dusanj, Cains Brewery

Mrs. Meena Pathak OBE, director of product development, Pathak's Foods

Mr. Shaid Luqman, managing director, Pearl Holdings (Europe) Ltd.

Mr. Arnie Hira, director, The Hira Group of Companies

Healthcare and Education Asian Jewel Award

Mrs. Tahara Amin, head teacher, Manchester Muslim Preparatory School

Professor Raj Bhopal CBE, chair of public health, University of Edinburgh Medical School

Dr. Mohammed Iqbal FRCS, MSc, ENT surgeon and consultant in audiological medicine

Professor Krishna Paudyal, professor of finance, University of Durham

Professional Excellence Asian Jewel Award

Ms. Zahida Manzoor CBE, legal services ombudsman for England and Wales

Mr. Sunil Mohindra, solicitor, Maini & Co.

Ms. Yasmin Uddin, partner, Pannone & Partners

Mr. Anup Shah, corporate finance partner, Deloitte

Public Service Asian Jewel Award

Mr. Mohammad Haroon, senior civil servant, Department for Education and Skills

Mr. Vali Patel, chairman, Lancashire County Council

Mr. Khalid Saifullah, chairman, Lancashire Asian Business Federation

Inspector Balihar Singh, Greater Manchester Police