Unsung borough heroes honoured at awards ceremony (From Halesowen News)

Unsung borough heroes honoured at awards ceremony

10:31am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in Local

UNSUNG heroes from around the borough of Dudley have been honoured for their voluntary contributions to the community.

Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) hosted their 2012 awards ceremony at Brierley Hill Civic Hall for people and organisations who work in a wide variety of projects from playgroups to drug rehabilitation.

A total of 69 volunteers or voluntary groups were awarded certificates in recognition of their service while eight top award winners were presented with hand made glass trophies designed by students from Glasshouse College in Stourbridge.

Andy Gray, Dudley CVS chief officer, said: “The theme for Dudley Volunteer Awards this year was lighting up the community and it has been truly humbling to celebrate with so many inspirational volunteers who do just that”.

The big winners from Halesowen were Joshim Uddin from Shell Corner, who received a Highly Commended Health and Wellbeing Award for campaigning on behalf young disabled people with neurological conditions; Young Volunteer of the Year was awarded to 18-year-old children's football coach Ryan Howard from Halesowen, who has also recently been awarded Regional Young Volunteer of the Year by Birmingham County Football Association.

The top Sporting Champion award went to Halesowen man Bob Hickman for his work as secretary at Halas Hawkes Junior Football Club and president and treasurer for Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club.

St John Ambulance Superintendent Judith Morris from Halesowen received a Highly Commended Long Service Award.

The Gordon Lindsay award for Long Service which to the chairman of Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club, Bob Fowkes, for 47 years as a volunteer.