AN aspiring documentary maker from Girlington is sharing unheard life stories from the district in a new project called Humans of Bradford.

Inspired by the work of New York photographer Brandon Stanton, journalism student Mahnoor Akhlaq shares personal tales of everyday Bradfordians who reveal the events and emotions that have shaped their identity, lives and mark on the district.

Mahnoor, who studies at the University of Leeds, says she is hopeful that Humans of Bradford will break down stereotypes and misconceptions about being from Bradford.

The only girl of Asian heritage on her course, the 19-year-old says people still underestimate the city.

She explained: "People find it surprising that I'm from Bradford. I don't fit the stereotype about what people expect me to be.

"I live in one of the 'worst areas' of Bradford but I've never felt in danger.

"I've grown up with my single mum who's disabled. My mum works really hard. She went back to uni, she graduated in 2016.

"In Bradford, we have people from all around the world. It's so cool how we've all got different journeys of how we got to where we are."

One of those involved in the social media campaign is Ridwaan Haris, a British Bengali Muslim, who is the current President of Madinatul Uloom & Islamic Centre Jamea Mosque, on Nesfield Street in Bradford.

His father, Haris Miah migrated from Sylhet in Bangladesh after the Second World War.

Like many other South Asians, he was given a voucher to come and work in the booming textile industry in Northern England.

Haris was one of the founding members of this city centre mosque and the Madrasa, the school where students learn how to read the Quran and Islamic teachings, which opened in the same building around 1984.

He was the treasurer and ran a van service to bring students to the Madrasa.

This was important as it allowed Muslims to preserve their identity in a country where they were a minority and it eased the transition of migration.

Haris Miah has played an active role in the community up until recently when he fell ill.

He has had a huge impact on the community with his children and grandchildren continuing his duties.

Mahnoor told the Telegraph & Argus: "I love meeting new people and learning their stories.

"Everyone will realise everyone's got stories.

"That's why I wanted to get into journalism, so people can have a voice."