The winners of this year's civic awards are to be announced at a prestigious ceremony held at the council house next week.

Dudley Civic Awards are organised by the council to recognise people who dedicated their time to helping the community.

There are four categories in which people could have been nominated in which were art, sport, community and education.

This year's judges were blown away by the standard of nominations as they received over 60 in total and had the tough job of choosing a winner and a runner- up in each category.

The winner and runner-up will be announced at ceremony being held at the council house on Tuesday March 20.

Nominees this year include an Olympic 2008 hopeful, a volunteer who dedicates hours of support to Dudley Stroke Association and a volunteer who provides valuable back stage support to amateur dramatic groups in the borough.

The awards were judged by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor John Woodall, leader of the council, Councillor David Caunt, cabinet member for leisure and culture, Councillor Charles Fraser Macnamara, cabinet member fro children's services, Councillor Liz Walker and Bishop of Dudley, Revd David Walker.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor John Woodall said: "We have received such a huge response to this year's civic awards and I would like to thank all of those who nominated someone they know.

"The standard of nominees was once again exceptional and inspirational to us all.

"There's so much time dedicated to helping others in the borough, it made it very difficult to choose a winner for each category."