WATCH LIVE: The National Diversity Awards from 9pm at www.youtube.com/ITVNews

Community organisations and role models from across the UK will head to the breathtaking Liverpool Cathedral on 20th September to witness the countries 2019 winners being crowned the best of British diversity.

ITV News have been working in conjunction with organisers leading up to the ceremony to highlight inspirational people and underrepresented communities on regional and national news channels.

Rachel Corp, Acting Editor, ITV News, said; “We are delighted to work with the National Diversity Awards to showcase some of the important and inspiring stories of the nominees across our news platforms. We recognise and support the devotion of those involved in highlighting equality, diversity and inclusion.”

Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards added, “ITV News understand the importance of harnessing diverse talent and providing a platform to vital causes. We are delighted to have them cement their commitment to The National Diversity Awards by giving a voice to our nation’s unsung diversity heroes”.

The ceremony, which will also be live streamed through ITV News’ YouTube channel at 9pm on Friday, has been described as the ‘golden globes of the diversity world’ among attendees. In addition to real life diversity heroes, a number of special guests are set make an appearance at the UK’s largest diversity awards to show their support for the incredible nominees who have changed the lives of many.

Comic actress and writer Sally Phillips is the official host of the 08 th annual National Diversity Awards and will be joined on stage by football pundit Chris Kamara and Sky Sports Presenter Johnny Nelson to praise role models and charities for their outstanding achievements. Scouse sensations Philip Olivier and Jennifer Ellison will also show their support alongside the cast ollyoaks, Emmerdale and many more.

Reflecting on the forthcoming celebrations, Sally said;

“I am delighted to be hosting the 2019 National Diversity Awards. Acknowledging and celebrating the hard work and stand out achievements of role models and community groups throughout the UK is a genuine honour for me. Having attended the Awards back in 2016, I experienced this fabulous ceremony first-hand and I cannot wait to be back this year celebrating the dedication and commitment of some of the UK’s most luminous and exceptional people.”

HSBC UK and Direct Line Group are amongst some of the brands sponsoring the pioneering awards that have paid tribute to over 850 grass root charities and diversity champions since its inception. Other companies shining a light on diverse talent include The Open University, The British Army, Nielsen, MI5, Lush Spa, Financial Ombudsman, Kantar, Auto Trader UK and Morgan Sindall Constructions & Infrastructure.

To watch the ceremony, tune into www.youtube.com/ITVNews on Friday at 9pm.