AN innovative Dudley sporting spectacular has scored a nomination for a national award.

St Thomas's Community Games has been shortlisted for the Community Cohesion prize at the Labour Party's Best Practice Awards to be held in London this Saturday (February 10).

The awards are open to all community groups across the country.

Chief organiser Councillor Shaukat Ali, who will be attending the event, said: "I'm really looking forward to the event.

"I hope we can win it as the games brought everybody together through competitive involvement and enjoyment.

"To even be shortlisted puts Dudley on the map.

"We are also planning an event for 2008 over the coming months."

To earn a nomination cllr Ali put together a five-minute DVD featuring event highlights and endorsements of how well the games went.

The two-week spectacular, held last June and July, saw sporty residents take part in a host of tournaments including football, cricket, cycling and basketball.

It was officially launched on June 23 by Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Ryan Bradley and the whistle was blown on Sunday July 9 with a free family sports day and closing ceremony at Dudley Leisure Centre.

Schools including Sledmere, Castle High and Hillcrest took part in the inaugural games.

To take part in next year's games call cllr Ali on 07957 683696.