PEOPLE only have just over a week to nominate young “superheroes” for the Dudley Children in Care and Care Leavers Awards.

An awards ceremony will be held in November to celebrate the talents and achievements of looked after children and those leaving care in Dudley, with a theme of ‘superheroes’.

Nominations are being invited for each of the seven award categories, with a closing date of October 1.

The Horizon Award will recognise a young person who has “shown ambition, aspiration, resilience” despite the barriers they have faced.

The Make A Difference Award will honour someone who has made a positive contribution in their community, possibly by volunteering, or helping others.

The Super Skill Award is for those who have shown talent or excelled in a particular field – such as sport, art, or academically.

The Fierce Friend Award will recognise a young person who has “shown tremendous support to a friend”. This can either be a good friend to someone in care or a care leaver, or someone with care experience who has been a good friend.

For the Horizon, Make A Difference, Super Skill and Fierce Friend awards, there will be awards given out in three age categories. They are eight-11, 12 plus and care leavers.

There will also be a Job and Enterprise Award, recognising a care leaver who has shown “determination, commitment and motivation” in their work or business.

The Care Leavers Employer Award is for employers who go out of their way to support care leavers in their training or employment.

Finally, The People’s Award will recognise any adult who has made an outstanding contribution to a young person or people. They could be a teacher, social worker or a foster carer.

Councillor Angus Lees, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "Last year we received lots of fantastic nominations and it was very hard to choose the winners in each category.

"We want people to nominate their own superheroes, youngsters in care or adults working in care who have gone above and beyond.

"You can nominate as many as you like, so we would urge people to do it before the deadline on October 1."

This year’s awards are being planned and organised by the Dudley Children in Care Council and the Care Leavers Forum.

To nominate, visit www.mayorofdudley.org.uk/nominationform.