The search is on to find Dudley’s unsung heroes with the launch of the sixth annual Mayor’s Civic Awards.

The prizes give people the chance to highlight those working tirelessly in their communities.

There are four categories, which are all named after some of the borough’s greatest sons. Nominees will compete for the Duncan Edwards award for sport, the Cedric Hardwicke award for arts, the Frank Foley award for community spirit and the Thomas Attwood award for education.

This year, for the first time, the winner of the Mayor’s award will be decided by a public vote. Councillor Ray Burston will choose four people he feels have stood out.

The public will then have the chance to vote on-line for the winner. A judging panel will decide the other four categories. Nominations for this year’s awards open this week and people will be able to put names forward until January 30.

Councillor Burston said: “Every year we get a fantastic range of nominations from all corners of the borough.”

The winner and one runner-up in each category will be announced in early March.

They will be presented with their prize – a trophy and a certificate by Councillor Burston. People can nominate on-line at www.dudley.gov.uk from today or can pick up a nomination form from libraries.

Last year, Paralympic archer Steve Prowse, from Wordsley, won the Duncan Edwards award for his string of accolades in the sport. The Cedric Hardwicke Award went to Gillian Bloore, from Kingswinford, who won the award for her work with the Dudley Festival of Music.

Jean Hughes, from Kingswinford, picked up the Frank Foley award after running keep fit classes for 30 years. The Thomas Attwood Award for education was presented to Sedgley historian Trevor Genge. Mike Abrahams won the first Mayor’s Award for his work with Dudley Council Volunteer Service.