MAN OF "OPTIMISM, HARMONY AND AMBITION" NAMED BORO HERO

A MAN of "optimism, harmony and ambition", Idrees Rashid has been recognised as a Boro Hero.

Long-serving community champion Idrees has been involved in many matters which promote Middlesbrough's communities over the years.

He is the driving force behind the not-for-profit media group (Community Voice FM) which operates CVMF Radio - which literally gives a voice for people of Middlesbrough's diverse communities and has built a loyal and engaged audience base since its launch more than a decade ago.

More recently Idrees has also been involved in Middlesbrough's response to the Covid-10 pandemic by promoting public health messages in communities across the town.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said this was an action which "ultimately saves lives" as he honoured Idrees as the town's latest Boro Hero.

Mr Preston said: "Idrees is a truly great community asset for our town. He's a man of optimism, harmony and ambition - which is exactly what we need.

"He's the driving force behind CVFM, a great example of a truly independent media outlet. Idrees goes above and beyond and is involved in many things, including with our BAME communities.

"During the Covid pandemic Idrees has been on the frontline working with communities across the town to promote public health messages that ultimately save lives. We're lucky to have him."

Among the many community initiatives Idrees is involved in is the annual Tees Valley BME Awards.

The awardscelebrate achievements across the board from personal achievements to collective success for organisations who have advanced the opportunities for BME communities and demonstrated positive change.

The Boro Hero award turned the tables on Idrees who is more used to giving out awards than receiving them.

He said: "It feels quite strange. We are usually trying to find people working within communities to give them an accolade.

"Sometimes people put me forward for things and I tend to shy away but for all the work we do with communities and through the radio station I do appreciate people acknowledging it."

ENDS

Press Notice 6402. 26/02/21

Issued by Andrew Pain, Senior Communications Officer on 01642 729503.

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Follow Middlesbrough Council on Twitter: @MbroCouncil

NOTES TO EDITORS

Picture captions

pn6402 Boro Hero Idrees Rashid 1 - Community minded Idrees Rashid (r) is the latest recipient of a Boro Hero award. He is pictured at the CVFM radio station with Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston (l).

pn6402 Boro Hero Idrees Rashid 2 - Community minded Idrees Rashid is the latest recipient of a Boro Hero award.

pn6402 Boro Hero Idrees Rashid 3 - Community minded Idrees Rashid is the latest recipient of a Boro Hero award. He is pictured at the CVFM radio station.  He is pictured at the CVFM radio station with Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston (l).