Nominations are now open for Southend's sports awards.

The prestigious awards recognise those involved in all aspects of sports, from officials in sports clubs, to participants, other volunteers, and the clubs themselves.

The event helps reward major local sporting achievements.

Those shortlisted for awards will also be forwarded for consideration by Essex Sports Awards later in the year. The award categories are:

• Services to Sport
• Young Community Volunteer
• Coach of the Year
• Club of the Year
• Olympic hopeful

• Paralympic hopeful
• Young Sports Personality of the Year
• Sports Personality of the Year

Nominations close on Friday 12th October and the awards ceremony, sponsored by Parkwood Leisure, takes place from 7:30pm on Thursday 25th October at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Garon Park, Southend.

Southend councillor responsible for culture and tourism, Derek Jarvis, said: “This summer we’ve had magnificent national and international demonstrations of the power of sport, so now it is time to throw the spotlight on individuals and sports clubs locally who make such a positive contribution to sport in our community.

“All nominees must live within the borough of Southend-on-Sea, or be a current and competing participating member of a sports club based within the borough, or go to school in the borough.”

For more details or to make a nomination, please contact Kevin Read on 01702 215612 or getactive@southend.gov.uk