THE search is on for Dudley borough’s unsung heroes to be honoured at the mayor’s prestigious awards ceremony.

Members of the public can nominate community activists inspiring teachers, thriving businesses, sporting stars and environmental champions for recognition at the Mayor’s Civic Awards.

The awards are presented in association with fitness and healthy lifestyle group Let’s Get and nominations are open for five weeks.

Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Margaret Aston, said: “The Mayor’s Civic Awards is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the work of the people who work tirelessly in their communities for the good of the borough.

“Every year we are reminded of the hugely important work these people do, and I hope we can go some way to saying thank you to them this year through these awards.”

Awards will be presented in six catagories; the Duncan Edwards award for sport, sponsored by The Right Property Company, the Cedric Hardwicke award for arts sponsored by Birmingham Metropolitan College, the Frank Foley award for community spirit sponsored by Sanders and Co Solicitors, the Thomas Attwood award for education which is sponsored by The Label People, the Mike Holder award for business sponsored by Alan Nuttall Ltd and the William Shenstone award for environment, sponsored by Marketing Force.

The winners will be decided by a panel of judges and a seventh winner – for the Mayor’s Award – will be chosen by the public.

Cllr 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 an online vote.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.dudley.gov.uk/civicawards, on a nomination form available from libraries and leisure centres across the borough from early next week or by calling 01384 817449.

Nominations close on Monday February 9.