BUSINESSWOMAN Karren Brady is supporting awards been given out by a national charity with Bromsgrove headquarters.

Baroness Brady, star of The Apprentice, is supporting the Stroke Association's search for inspiring stroke survivors, carers, and volunteers to take part in the charity's Life After Stroke Awards, (LASA).

The awards, sponsored by the TONI & GUY Charitable Foundation, celebrate the courage of the 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK, and the dedication of thousands of carers and volunteers who support them.

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Centre in Church Road, which cost £2.2 million to build, opened to the public in 2012.

The cause is particularly important to Baroness Brady after she survived a brain aneurysm in 2006, which could have led to a stroke.

She said: "Stroke can strike at any age and it can be devastating, it is the leading cause of adult disability in the UK.

"The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards celebrate rebuilding your life and conquering stroke with courage, commitment and determination."

Townsfolk are invited to nominate an inspiring stroke survivor, carer, volunteer or professional, for the awards.

There are several awards categories, including the courage award, award for volunteering, carer's award, award for creative arts, stroke group award, professional excellence award and fundraiser of the year award.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 30.

The winners of the awards will be chosen by a judging panel. Baroness Brady will be sitting on the panel along with several others including Lady Fellowes, Lady Fink, Lady Ashcroft and Patricia Thompson.

Winners will be invited to a star-studded awards ceremony at London's Rosewood House, which will be held in June.

Details of how to make a nomination is available on the charity's website, stroke.org.uk/lasa.