AWARD-winning volunteer life-savers are urging people to get involved with this year’s Mayor’s Civic Awards.

Last year's winners FASTAID Black Country, which provides emergency first aid to people following a 999 call, said the awards helped raise their profile.

Paul Grove, secretary of FASTAID Black Country and community first responder, said: “We were really honoured just to be involved in last year’s awards and to win an award was incredible.

“The awards did a huge amount to highlight the work we do and how important volunteers and funding are."

He added: “I would urge people to nominate others in their communities and get them involved in this year’s awards.”

Awards will be presented in six categories; 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 and the William Shenstone award for environment.

There is also a seventh trophy, the Mayor’s Award, where Councillor Margaret Aston will choose four people or groups she feels have stood out to her on her civic engagements so far in her mayoral year and the winner will be decided by a public vote next month.

All winners and runners-up will be presented with a trophy and a certificate by Cllr Aston at a civic ceremony in March.

Cllr Aston said: “We have had some wonderful entries so far but there is still time for people to get involved.

“These awards are about giving them the recognition they deserve and I hope people will take the time to nominate someone special.”

Nominations are being accepted until February 9 and can be made online at www.dudley.gov.uk/civicawards.

Alternatively, nomination forms can be picked up from libraries and leisure centres across the borough.