A 27-year-old from Kingswinford who is "always smiling" has been nominated for a prestigious community award. 

Jasmine Pole, who has autism and dyspraxia, was born 12 weeks premature in 1997 and weighed just 2lbs. 

Despite having to overcome exceptional challenges as a newborn, Ms Pole dedicates her time towards helping others. 

She has now been nominated for a top award in the Dudley Community Awards 2024 in the 'Volunteer or Fundraiser of the Year' category. 

Her mum Sue Pole said: "Jasmine deserves to win as she is always helping others and raises money for various charities. Jasmine was born 12 weeks premature in 1997 weighing 2lbs and she has autism and dyspraxia. 

"Achieveing loads and always smiling, she went to get her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in May 2022 from Buckingham Palace." 

In reaction to her nomination, Jasmine Pole said: "It is amazing to be nominated." 

The awards, brought to you by Stourbridge News and the Halesowen & Dudley News, will celebrate the wonderful work that happens across the Dudley Borough within the business, charity, educational, health and community spheres.

People have until Sunday, September 22 to nominate those people you want to see rewarded for their hard work and diligence.

Anyone can nominate from the general public to businesses and other community and charity organisations.

Finalists will be invited to a glittering evening awards event due to be held at 7pm on Thursday, November 21 at the Copthorne Hotel, Dudley.

This year's headline sponsors are Halesowen College and Birmingham Newman University.

Alicia Kelly, editor of the Stourbridge News and the Halesowen and Dudley News, said: "Thanks to the stories we publish online every day and each week in our newspapers, we know many fantastic people are striving to make a real difference across the Dudley Borough.

"It is a privilege to share their successes with a wider audience and these awards will be another way for us to shine the spotlight on those who deserve our praise and thanks." 

To nominate visit https://www.dudleynews.co.uk/dudleycommunityawards2024/

Businesses who may be interested in sponsoring the awards should email debra.orr@localiq.co.uk