GALLERY: Gladrags and gongs at Mayor of Dudley's Civic Awards
A leading charity, a youth football boss and a school governor were among the winners of this year’s Mayor of Dudley Civic Awards.
The awards were presented to unsung heroes from across Dudley at the annual mayor’s charity ball on Friday.
Thousands of pounds were raised on the night for this year’s mayoral charities, which were Headway Black Country, White House Cancer Support and the Hope Centre.
Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Dudley, was a guest for the evening on Friday.
He said: “It’s always inspiring and very moving to see 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 that 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 public votes in an online poll.
The winner of the Duncan Edwards award for sport was Carl Bottley, who has coached junior football team Netherton Colts for the last 20 years.
Paul Greenaway, chairman of Cotwall End Nature Reserve, won the William Shenstone award for environment thanks to his work at the green space.
The winner of the Thomas Attwood award for education was Gillian Withers, who has been a school governor at Hurst Green Primary School and Leasowes High School for more than 30 years.
The Mike Holder award for business went to Wright Solicitors, which marks 100 years in business this year.
Arts Space, which runs free arts courses and classes in Dudley town centre, won the Cedric Hardwicke award for art.
The Frank Foley award for community spirit went to Scott Round, who volunteers in the in Coseley community by tidying gardens and delivering community newsletters.
Deputy Lieutenant Richard Boot, OBE, who was also present at the awards night, said: “What a fantastic evening celebrating the hard work of people in communities and raising money for some very worthwhile causes.”
He added: “It was a real privilege to be part of the night.”
By Jonathon Hill
