NOMINATIONS for a prestigious Dudley borough award, as part of the Mayor’s Civic Awards, have been unveiled today.

Residents are now being asked to choose the winner of this year's Mayor’s award from four people or groups the Mayor of Dudley feels have stood out to her on her civic engagements so far in her mayoral year.

The Mayor’s award is one of seven award categories, with the other six receiving a record 167 nominations before the closing date – the biggest response in the 12 year history of the awards – with the winners announced at a civic ceremony in March.

The four nominees for the Mayor’s award are Sally Johnson, secretary of the Priory Community Association, Gordon Willetts, secretary of the Worcester and Sherwood Forester Regiment Association, Friends of Priory Park and The Green, and Ravens Rescue.

Sally has been volunteering with the Priory Community Association for 16 years, helping to bring improvements for everyone living in the area.

As secretary of the group she works with members to provide trips out for families, bingo nights, play schemes and other activities for people in the borough. They also put on events at Priory Park for the community in the summer.

Gordon is a familiar face at regular civic events in Dudley borough including Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and Armed Forces Day.

His support for the events and the importance of remembering the work of the armed forces, past and present, helps make them a success.

The work of Friends of Priory Park and The Green has helped transform the park into a thriving open space used by people of all ages.

Since 2002 the group has secured £2.6 million from a number of sources including Lottery and Dudley Council which has provided a new pavilion, multi-use games area, children’s play park and a statue commemorating local tennis ace Dorothy Round.

Ravens Rescue was founded two years ago by Sarah Harris and Becky Rise who recognised and responded to the increasing problem of animal abandonment and abuse across Dudley borough.

Since starting up the group has saved 128 dogs and 202 cats from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Councillor Margaret Aston, Mayor of Dudley, said: “Every one of these nominees is an inspiration to us all, for the work they do to make improvements where they live.

“As a community council we are committed to highlighting the people who go above and beyond in their communities, and that is exactly what these awards are about.

"We were delighted with the record number of nominations from people, proof that people feel as strongly as we do about highlighting these unsung heroes.

“This award is up to everyone to choose their winner, and I urge people to get involved and pick the one they think most deserves the Mayor’s award.”

To vote for the winner of the Mayor’s award before the closing date of Friday, February 27, visit www.dudley.gov.uk/civicawards