NOMINATIONS are now open for next year’s East Hampshire District Sports Awards.

The awards recognise sportsmen and women at every level, as well as the coaches, officials and volunteers who help them succeed.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 5, with finalists invited to an awards evening, hosted by ITV’s Fred Dinenage, on February 15 at Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook.

The winners of the district awards will be put forward to compete for the 2018 Energise Me Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Awards.

Nominees are assessed by a judging panel and the winners are required to meet criteria specific to each award category.

Julie Butler, East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for customer service, said: “If you know of anyone from East Hampshire that has excelled in their sporting environment over the last year then it is important to nominate them for an East Hampshire Sports Award.

“This is a fantastic evening of celebration that I look forward to every year. It gives us the opportunity to give these athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials the recognition they deserve.

“We are lucky to have a vast array of talent across a variety of sports in East Hampshire and we look forward to rewarding those who give hours of dedication to be successful or support others to be successful.”

These annual prestigious awards are organised by East Hampshire District Council to recognise publicly sporting achievement in the following categories:

* Junior Sportsman & Junior Sportswoman;

* Senior Sportsman & Senior Sportswoman;

* Masters Sportsman & Sportswoman;

* Junior Disability Sportsman & Sportswoman;

* Senior Disability Sportsman & Sportswoman;

* Coach of the Year (Male or Female);

* Volunteer of the Year (Junior & Senior);

* School Team of the Year;

* Team of the Year (Junior & Senior);

* Service to Sport (Male or Female);

* Club of the Year; and

* Outstanding Personal Achievement.

For nomination forms, visit easthants.gov.uk/sportsawards2018.