Do you know someone whose hard work or caring attitude make Dudley a better place to live?

If so, they could be recognised at this year's Forging A Future for All Awards.

For the second year in a row and in partnership with the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council we are looking for the unsung heroes of Dudley.

The Forging a Future for All Awards 2019 were launched by the Mayor of Dudley Cllr David Stanley and the editor of the Stourbridge News and Halesowen & Dudley News Stephanie Preece last month.

The launch marked the start of this year's hunt for the special individuals and groups whose sterling work marks them as true heroes and champions of Dudley Metropolitan Borough, making it the best place to live and work.

The awards consist of 13 categories: Improving the Local Environment (individual); Improving the Local Environment (group/organisation); Outstanding Contribution to Education; Young Achiever; Community; Healthy and Safe Communities; Travel Support; Rising Apprentice Star of the Year; Business of the Year; Visitor Attraction Volunteer of the Year; Visitor Attraction Lifetime Achievement; Town Centre Unsung Hero/es of the Year and Digital Innovation Award.

They will culminate in a glitzy black-tie dinner reception at the Copthorne Hotel in Merry Hill on Thursday, November 28.

This year's awards are being organised in conjunction with Dudley Council and several local businesses have already pledged their support by sponsoring different categories including Dudley College of Technology, Fairmont Residential, Dudley NHS Clinical Commissioning Group; The Tipton & Coseley Building Society; Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust; Gaunts of Wollaston and Lapal House.

To get involved by either nominating someone for an award or to enquire about sponsorship visit www.dudleynews.co.uk/awards/forgingafuture.