TV weatherman, actor and singer Des Coleman will host the Mayor’s Ball and Civic Awards in March.

The 44-year-old, who has also appeared in Eastenders, has amassed a strong female following for his sunny disposition presenting the weather on ITV News Central.

The announcement comes as residents were reminded there was still time for people to nominate unsung heroes 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 have less than two weeks 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.

People will be able to put names forward until Monday February 17.

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

The awards are all sponsored by local businesses including Excel 2000 Windows, Lapal House, Jewson, Midshire, intu Merry Hill and the Copthorne Hotel. 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 on sale now.

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 17 at the latest.