People are being asked to nominate unsung heroes in the borough for a Civic Award.

The awards are presented by the Mayor, Councillor David Stanley, at his annual charity ball in March which raises thousands of pounds for worthy causes.

The public now have just over a month to nominate the people who go above and beyond in their communities for the awards, which are this year in association with SF Harrison Roofing. Local businesses have this year backed the awards, which are all named after heroes of the borough. They are:

The Duncan Edwards award for sport
The Cedric Hardwicke award for arts
The Frank Foley award for community spirit
The Thomas Attwood award for education
The Mike Holder award for business
The William Shenstone award for environment

Nominations for this year’s awards are now open and people will be able to put names forward until Sunday February 16. Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said:

"The Civic Awards are an ideal opportunity to reward people who have gone above and beyond helping others within our community.

"It only takes a few minutes to nominate someone, and it’s worth it to see these dedicated people getting 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 three people or groups he has met on his civic engagements so far in his Mayoral year.

The public will then have the chance to vote online for the winner. Nominations cannot be put forward for this particular award. A judging panel will decide the other six categories.

The winners and runners-up will be announced at the awards, which take place this year on Friday March 27 at the Copthorne Hotel, Brierley Hill. The annual ball raises thousands of pounds for the Mayor’s chosen charities each year and award winners will have the chance to celebrate their achievements with distinguished guests.

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

People can also purchase tickets online for the ball, which are now on sale.

Completed nomination forms should be sent to Mayor’s Civic Awards nominations, communications and public affairs, Dudley Council, FREEPOST MID22308, Dudley, DY1 1BR by February 16 at the latest.