Historians are raising a glass to Sandwell First World War heroes with a unique project to honour their bravery on commemorative beer mats. As part of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, Sandwell libraries, archives and museums services are shinning a spotlight on local heroes. Three heroes from each town in Sandwell have been nominated by local history groups and now the public is being asked to pick one who they want to see commemorated in November on the mats.

The names of all the nominees and a brief biography for each one are available online at www.sandwell.gov.uk/localheroes

You can vote by going to the poll at www.sandwell.gov.uk/localheroesvote

Voting will end on Friday 14 October. The hero from each town with the most votes will be remembered on a special beer mat which will be distributed to local pubs in November alongside a special design that will remember all of Sandwell's First World War heroes.

Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "Please vote and help us raise a glass to a local hero.

"When you read about these local men and women it really brings it home to you what sacrifices they made. They were among hundreds who went to war from each of our towns, many of whom never came home."