People are being urged to nominate Dudley’s unsung heroes for honours at this year’s Mayor’s Ball and Civic Awards.

Prizes will be given out for people who have gone above and beyond in the worlds of sport, art, education, business and environment, with an award also given out for community spirit. Prizes are presented by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler, at his annual charity ball on Friday April 20th at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill.

Tickets are now on sale to attend the glitzy event, which raises thousands of pounds for worthy causes, and are already selling quickly. The public have until Monday March 5 to nominate people for the awards, which are this year in association with Excel 2000 Windows.

Local businesses have also backed the awards, which are all named after heroes of the borough.

They are the Duncan Edwards Award for Sport (sponsored by Nordic Timber Buildings), the Cedric Hardwicke Award for Arts (sponsored by GMB Union), the Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit (sponsored by Dodd Group), the Thomas Attwood Award for Education (sponsored by The School Travel Company), the Mike Holder Award for Business (sponsored by Nuttalls) and the William Shenstone Award for Environment (sponsored by Jessup Brothers). Councillor Dave Tyler, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“There are people across the borough quietly working day after day to serve their communities without seeking any thanks or reward. These are people who have achieved great things, worked tirelessly to help and improve the lives of others or helped grow the economy and create jobs.

“I urge people to take five minutes to complete a nomination and tell us about their community heroes. We want to make sure that the hard work and dedication of these community stars is celebrated by giving them the recognition they deserve with one of our civic awards.”

There is also a seventh trophy, the Mayor’s Pride of Dudley Award, which will be decided by a public vote in March. The Mayor will choose four people or groups he feels have stood out to him on his civic engagements so far in his Mayoral year. The public will then have the chance to vote online for the winner.

The winners and runners-up will be presented with a bespoke piece of glass, designed by local glass artist Alister Malcolm, and a certificate from the Mayor.

People can nominate online at mayorofdudley.org.uk/civicawards or can pick up a nomination form from libraries and leisure centres across the borough.

You can also purchase tickets for the ball online or by calling 01384 811561. Completed forms should be sent to Mayor’s Civic Awards Nominations, Communications and Public Affairs, Dudley Council, FREEPOST MID22308, Dudley, DY1 1BR, by Monday March 5th.