A HARDWORKING Hurst Green shopkeeper has been given the first of a new community award for unsung heroes - for going above and beyond for local residents in need during the pandemic.

Amritpal Singh Kang, known locally as Bobby, who runs the Nisa Hurst Green store, has been awarded the Halesowen North Community Champion 2021 award for providing vital support to local residents by ensuring shelves remained well stocked, taking measures to prevent panic buying and organising free of charge delivery for those isolating or shielding.

The awards have been formed by Halesowen councillor Stuart Henley.

Stuart said Bobby had been selected for the award for "his outstanding work during the coronavirus pandemic which saw him go above and beyond for local residents in need."

He said: "In times of great need you see the best in people as they go above and beyond to help those in distress.

"After being approached by several residents who were helped by Bobby we decided to come up with a formal award to recognise his contribution to the area.

"We plan to keep this going so both individuals and businesses who go the extra mile can be congratulated for their efforts in our community."

Halesowen MP James Morris said: "I want to congratulate Bobby on being awarded Halesowen North Community Champion 2021.

"People like Bobby have been the unsung heroes of the pandemic, serving their community with the essentials they need, but also looking out for those who weren't able to get out due to their need to isolate.

"As a reassuring presence in a time of great uncertainty, he fully deserves this accolade."

The shop on Woodbury Road has been in Bobby's family since it was started by his father Balbir Kang in 1992. It is open every day from 7am till 10pm.

Married father-of-one Bobby, aged 36, said: "I would like to thank Cllr Henley and James for this award, we have been a family business in Hurst Green for nearly 30 years and many of my customers have become lifelong friends so when hard times hit I feel it is my duty to give something back to the area.

"Community is all about working together and helping our area be the best it can be.

"It's nice to be involved in something with such a positive message."

Cllr Henley would like to know of any nominees for future awards in and around the Halesowen North area.

E mail nominations to stuart.henley@halesowennorth.co.uk.