AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager who was honoured at the inaugural Forging a Future For All awards is urging people to get their nominations in to celebrate the unsung heroes across the borough.

Robyn Churchill was awarded the Young Achiever Award at last year's ceremony after being nominated by her sister Karla in recognition of her effort in battling a family bereavement and an eating disorder to successfully open her own dance academy in Dudley.

The awards, run by the Halesowen and Dudley and Stourbridge News in partnership with Dudley Council, aims to celebrate the special individuals and groups whose sterling work marks them as champions of Dudley borough.

Robyn, who is 19, opened her own studio last year in Angel Street, Dudley, known as The Jewels Academy, with her life-long dance partner Jade Tinker.

The studio is going from strength to strength and now offers weekly classes for adults, teens and children from complete beginners through to professional performers.

Robyn opened the studio following the sudden death of her much-loved dad Julian 'Jules' Churchill in his memory.

Robyn credits winning the Young Achiever Award last November with giving her a confidence boost to continue pushing herself.

She said: "It was definitely a confidence boost. It's always nice to be appreciated and recognised. It's a great feeling and I have my award hanging up in the studio."

Now the Hagley teen is urging readers across Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge to send in their nominations to make sure heroes across the borough receive the recognition they deserve.

Robyn said: "If you know someone that's doing a good job and putting themselves out there, even without realising it, it's nice to get recognised."

Since winning the award, The Jewels Academy has continued to grow. Robyn and Jade recently hosted a summer show which saw 49 performers take to the stage to show off their dance skills.

The Academy also works in the community to help encourage youngsters to dance and will be hosting summer fun days on Thursday August 8 and Thursday August 22.

Places are still available for youngsters and can be booked on the Jewels Academy Facebook page.

Nominations for the Forging A Future For All Awards are open now across the following 13 categories: Improving the Local Environment (individual); Improving the Local Environment (group/organisation); Outstanding Contribution to Education; Young Achiever; Community; Healthy and Safe Communities; Travel Support; Rising Apprentice Star of the Year; Business of the Year; Visitor Attraction Volunteer of the Year; Visitor Attraction Lifetime Achievement; Town Centre Unsung Hero/es of the Year and Digital Innovation Award.

To submit a nomination, visit: https://www.dudleynews.co.uk/awards/forgingafuture/

The second Forging a Future for All Awards take place on Thursday November 28 at The Copthorne Hotel, Merry Hill.