The Mayor of Dudley has congratulated six borough community organisations honoured by His Majesty the King.

The groups received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which recognises the contribution of volunteers in local communities, at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Sunday.

Councillor Hilary Bills attended the event – and became the first Mayor in the West Midlands to collect an award herself as she accepted on behalf of Halesowen in Bloom.

Of the 19 organisations receiving the award across the West Midlands, more than one third were from the borough.

The five other groups were Access in Dudley, Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve, We Love Carers, Black Country Mental Health and The Black Country Blokes CIC.

The awards were presented by the Lord-Lieutenant for West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE.

Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley, said: “I would like to send my warmest congratulations to all six organisations on receiving such a prestigious accolade from His Majesty the King. 

“To have six of the 19 organisations recognised across the whole West Midlands come from our borough is a real testament to the work being done by volunteers here.

“It is a fitting tribute to their dedication and efforts in helping local people.”