THE hunt is on to find Wyre Forest heroes who go the "extra mile" to help people with disabilities and honour them.

The No Barriers, The Mike Oborski Awards carry the name of the longstanding district and Worcestershire county councillor, who died in 2007.

Nominations are now being invited for the seventh year of the scheme - supported by The Shuttle - in Mr Oborski's memory.

Awards will be presented to individuals, businesses and community groups that have improved services, access or employment possibilities for those who are disabled.

Liberal councillor Fran Oborski, chairman of the awards and Mr Oborski's widow, said: "The scheme has been well supported over the years and we are hoping that 2014 will be no exception.

"We encourage everyone, whatever their situation or role in life, to spend a few moments thinking about their recent experiences out and about in the area.

“Have you noticed an individual, a community group or a business that has gone the extra mile to support people with disabilities?

"This could be anything from a small local cafe providing extra space to manoeuvre wheelchairs through to an organisation being extra supportive to someone who needs it.

“These awards are not for people who support those with disabilities as part of their day job.

"They are for those in all walks of life who go the extra mile for people with disabilities because it’s the right thing to do."

She added: “There are lots of examples of support and service provided over and above the standard rules and regulations but they are rarely publicly acknowledged.

"Please nominate the people providing these for a No Barriers, The Mike Oborski Award, either online or in paper form.

"It is completely free to enter and is really valued by award winners, who display the No Barriers sticker and certificate in their premises."

This year, the scheme is tying in with the Government-backed Accessible Britain Challenge, which aims to spur on communities to do more to remove barriers that get in the way of disabled people playing a full and active part in their community.

A panel of representatives of local private and public sector organisations will judge the nominations.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Wyre Forest Community Housing Group offices, Foley Grove, Kidderminster, on October 24 from 6 to 8pm.

Nominations can be entered online at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/nobarriers or nomination forms are available at the Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall, local libraries and the Wyre Forest Community Housing Group offices.

The closing date is September 26.