UNSUNG heroes from the borough were celebrated at a charity ball with the Mayor of Dudley – after the original event was delayed by the pandemic.

Councillor Anne Millward, hosted the evening along with former mayor, Councillor David Stanley. which raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The awards, which were due to take place in April last year, were hosted by weatherman Des Coleman and spilt into seven categories - all sponsored by local companies.

The winner of the William Shenstone award for environment, sponsored by Jewson, went to Chairman of the Friends of Alder Coppice, Simon Biggs who has helped develop new paths through the woods, secured funding for tools for volunteers to keep the woods tidy.

Diane and Susan Baker won the Thomas Attwood Award for Education, sponsored by Merry Hill. The twins have worked with the learning disability team at Russells Hall Hospital, teaching student nurses how to both support and provide treatment to people with a learning disability.

The Duncan Edwards Award for Sport, sponsored by Excel 2000 Windows, went to Stourbridge District Youth Football League which has been running for more than 40 years in the borough.

Brierley Hill Market Traders who have been credited with bringing a feel good atmosphere back to a long-running local market were the winners of the Mike Holder Award for Business, sponsored by Midshire Business Solutions.

The trophy for the winner of Cedric Hardwicke Award for Arts, sponsored by Copthorne Hotel, went to Hurst Hill Performers and Pantomime Players.

Black Country Wellbeing Centre was the winner of the of the Frank Foley Award for Community Spirit, sponsored by Lapal House.

The final award was the Mayor of Dudley’s award which was chosen by the Mayor and Councillor Stanley, personally. The award went to Mary Stevens Hospice Pantomime Company.

Councillor Anne Millward, mayor of Dudley, said: "This was a long over-due opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes in the borough.

"They do incredible work and it is my pleasure to be able to shout about their work here.

"I was really pleased to meet them on the night and find out more about what they do."