A WEYMOUTH community centre for people with disabilities and additional needs is in the running for a prestigious national award.

Dorset Abilities Group (DAG) on Chickerell Road has been nominated for the National Diversity Awards 2020 and Echo readers are being urged to cast a vote before June 8 to help them win the Community Organisation category.

DAG was founded in 2015 by husband and wife team Luke and Gemma Tomlin and gives people of all ages with a disability the chance to socialise and gain life skills.

The centre offers a programme of group activities and classes including a music group, youth group, sports group, cookery school, art classes and more.

Luke Tomlin said: "All of our team at Dorset Abilities Group have been absolutely blown away by the support we’ve received since we formed DAG in May 2015.

"From what started as a bit of a pipe dream to then being nominated for a national award within five years shows the progress we have made and makes us very proud.

"It would be unbelievable if we made the awards night in Liverpool later this year but to be honest, we’re over the moon just knowing that somebody thinks so highly of us and has taken the time to put us forward.

"Huge thanks to the lovely lady (who wishes to stay anonymous) for her original vote and to all the others who have taken the time to vote for us too. We feel honoured and are extremely grateful.”

The National Diversity Awards is the UK's largest event of its kind and has attracted a growing list of supporters including Adam Hills, Graham Norton and Katie Piper.

This year the black tie ceremony will be held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on September 25, and will recognise nominees in different fields of diversity including age, disability, gender, race, faith, religion and sexual orientation.

Sir Lenny Henry CBE, last year’s winner of the Celebrity of the Year gong said: “Diversity to me means involving everybody without any discrimination; its means having integrated groups in society, it means fairness and total inclusion and that’s what the National Diversity Awards are about. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated, you’re all doing a fantastic job.”

Paul Sesay, CEO, said: “As we enter our ninth awards season, the National Diversity Awards prepare to welcome a host of outstanding role models and charities to our family. We look to those who represent progress, spirit and resilience, and I cannot wait to learn about the wonderful work being carried out this year."

To vote for Dorset Abilities Group to win its category visit nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/nominate/29313/

The closing date is June 8.