UNSUNG heroes from across the borough were celebrated at this year's Mayor of Dudley Civic Awards.

The awards were handed out to those who have gone above and beyond to help their community, at the annual Mayor’s charity ball on Friday April 5.

Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Dudley, who was one of the guests, said: "It’s always inspiring and very moving to see these people, who go above and beyond in their communities, get the recognition they deserve. We have some amazing stories of how people have been working tirelessly in their communities to make this borough a fantastic place to live.”

Discover U, a charity which provides work-related experience to adults with learning and physical disabilities in Wollaston, won the Mayor’s Pride of Dudley award after receiving the most votes from the public in an online poll.

Side By Side Theatre Company, which helps adults with learning disabilities take to the stage; The Giving Hands Mission day centre in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge Street Pastors, which provides help and support to people in the town centre at night, were awarded runners up.

Carl Bottley, manager and trainer of Netherton Colts, took home the Duncan Edwards award for sport in recognition of his 20 years of service to the team and former English middleweight boxing champion Darren McDermott won the runner-up award for his work getting people into the sport.

Paul Greenaway, chairman of Cotwall End Nature Reserve, won the William Shenstone award for environment, for his work at the beauty spot. The runner-up award went to Kaye Highway, who is a member of the Abbey Street Park Friends group.

Gillian Withers won the Thomas Attwood award for education in recognition for her 30 year role as school governor at Hurst Green Primary school and Leasowes High School, while Stanley Williams, who has been a supporter of Oldswinford Church of England Primary School for 30 years, won the runner-up award.

Wright Solicitors received the Mike Holder award for business after marking 100 years in business this year, with Halesowen-based Taylex Displays taking home the runner-up prize.

The Cedric Hardwicke award for art was awarded to Arts Space, which runs arts courses and classes and Margaret Davis took the runner up prize in recognition of her commitment to the Hurst Hill Pantomime Players.

The Frank Foley award for community spirit went to Scott Round who volunteers in his local community in Coseley by tidying gardens and delivering community newsletters. Michael Taylor, who has been a blood donor for 50 years won the runner-up prize.

The evening also raised thousands of pounds for the Mayor’s charities for this year which are Headway Black Country, White House Cancer Support and the Hope Centre.

Richard Boot, OBE, Deputy Lieutenant, who was also present, said: "What a fantastic evening celebrating the hard work of people in communities across the borough, and raising money for some very worthwhile causes. It was a real privilege to be part of the night.”