The Great Big Thank You Awards: Let's hear it for unsung heroes, says Sir Lenny

Appearing at Birmingham City University on Thursday, where the actor, comedian and writer recently became Chancellor, the much-loved Dudley born star posed for a picture or two.

The 57-year-old was knighted last year for services to drama and charity and has been a prominent campaigner on increasing diversity in the arts.

He said his new role as Chancellor of the university is a 'superb opportunity' to promote the West Midlands and help young people.

Speaking of the Great Big Thank You Awards, Sir Lenny said: "There are a lot of unsung heroes out there in our communities and it's great the the Express & Star are working to recognise these heroes.

"This is whether they be superb teachers, community leaders, much-loved neighbours, young stars or just people who go about their daily lives looking to make our communities better places to be.

"These awards recognise the diversity of people who live in our communities that work to support others and they really deserve this special recognition."

The Express & Star Great Big Thank You Awards also aim at recognising those who make a difference to our communities.

The glittering awards ceremony will take place on January 19 next year at Molineux, in a event attended by well-known celebrities and other significant figures from the spotlight.

• To find out more about the awards - and how you can nominate someone special to be in with a chance of winning one - visit starthankyou.expressandstar.co.uk

Dozens of people from across Wolverhampton have already nominated some of their most well-loved community heroes, only days after the nominations opened for the Great Big Thank You Awards.

Since the Great Big Thank You Awards was launched on Tuesday, more than a dozen people have already been nominated for one of the Express & Star's prestigious awards.

The most sought-after award, with the most nominations so far, is the Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year award which already has a great number of people vying for the top spot.

Ambassador of the Year also has several nominees competing to find out whether they will receive the significant title.

Young Star of the Year also has nominees as does Community Champion of the Year.

The awards aim at recognising some of the most kind-hearted, talented and much-loved people in the West Midlands, which will see them attend a glittering awards ceremony at the Molineux on January 19 next year.

There are ten categories in which a person can be nominated.

These include: Teacher of the Year, Unsung Sporting Hero of the Year, Angel of the Year and Inspirational Leader of the Year.

There are also categories in the awards for Ambassador of the Year, Young Star of the Year, Community Champion of the Year and Grandparents of the Year as well as Fundraiser of the Year or Environmentalist of the Year.