Last chance for nominations for The Express & Star Heroes Awards 2019

Do you know someone who is constantly putting others before themselves by going above and beyond to provide a helping hand?

Is there a volunteer who has clocked up decades of work in the community or a teacher or coach who goes the extra mile to inspire their pupils?

Are you aware of a good neighbour who has helped your area to improve and flourish against the odds or a health worker who is always looking to make their patients’ lives easier?

We think it's about time they receive the recognition they deserve and we have teamed up with a number of key businesses to reward the heroes of the Black Country and South Staffordshire.

The last day for nominations is tomorrow and there are eight categories as well as a special recognition award chosen by Editor-in-chief Martin Wright.

The categories include Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by Paycare, which will recognise the person who has done the most to promote their Black Country roots within their chosen charity, team or hobby and play a vital role within the community.

Young Star, sponsored by Mander Centre, will celebrate the young person, aged 16 or under, who has gone above and beyond in achieving their goals in the past 12 months.

Carer of the year, sponsored by McDonalds, recognises someone who looks after or helps to support other people, a family member, friend or relative.

Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Mander Centre, is for someone who regularly puts others before themselves; someone who is generous with their time to support an individual or group.

Hero of the NHS, sponsored by Paycare, is for people who work or volunteer within the NHS and make a difference to the lives of patients they care for.

Community Champion, sponsored by HomeServe, wil recognise an individual or group who has served, inspired or performed and have given something back to their community over the course of the year.

Power of Sport Award (Amateur), sponsored by McDonalds, will be presented to an individual or team that is using sport to make a significant difference within their local community by helping people to overcome challenges they face on a day to day basis.

Finally, Beyond the Call of Duty, sponsored by HomeServe, is for 999 workers and members of the Armed Forces.

The Special Recognition Award, sponsored by WHG, will be chosen by Mr Wright and be given to an individual or group deserving special recognition within the local community.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which category your chosen hero fits into; the judges can help decide where they belong.

At the start of November, a panel of judges will decide the winners in each of the eight categories. The winners will be invited along with a selected number of guests, to an awards presentation being held at the beginning of next year at Marston’s.

• Go to heroes.expressandstar.com to enter online or send your entry to Promotions Department, Express & Star Heroes Awards, Express & Star, 51- 53 Queen Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1ES.