CIVIC leaders sung the praises of community heroes after the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir were voted winners of this year’s coveted Mayor’s Award.

The Kingswinford based choir received most online votes from the public to land the prize which was presented to them by the Mayor, Cllr Melvyn Mottram at a packed Dudley Town Hall.

Runners-up awards went to The Hope Centre, Dudley Olympics and Gloria Donovan from the Royal British Legion who all received cut glass prizes.

Cllr Mottram said: “It’s such an honour and a privilege to meet the people who make our communities tick. They help make Dudley borough a great place to live.”

There were five other categories honoured at the Mayor’s Civic Awards.

They included 91-year-old Stourbridge based Nevil Jeynes who won the Duncan Edwards award for sport following 40 years of work supporting non league football with Dudley Town.

Runner-up in this category was athlete Isher Mander.

Sheila Littlewood won the Cedric Hardwicke award for arts following her role in running an art and drama group in Stourbridge for people with learning difficulties.

Simon Platford, deputy head at High Arcal School, became runner-up after he inspired pupils to set up a band which now performs across the country.

Marion Griffiths was awarded the Frank Foley award for community spirit following her work as both a trustee and campaigner for the White House Cancer Support group in Dudley.

John Mason took the runners-up prize for his efforts with Netherton Regeneration Group.

The Thomas Attwood award for education went to Jeanette MacKinney, who is National College Local Leader of Education, for her campaign to raise the standard of education in the borough.

Jonathan Carroll was voted runner-up for his work supporting young people through the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Big Clean Up Group took the William Shenstone prize for environment for carrying out collection and clean-up events throughout Netherton and St Andrews.

Bishop Milner School pupil Bethanie Hancox was named runner-up for her volunteer work in school and support in their bid to win Fairtrade status.