NOMINATIONS for the 2016 East Hampshire District Sports Awards are closing this Friday.

The awards recognise sportsmen and women at all levels, and the coaches, officials and volunteers who work behind the scenes to help athletes and clubs succeed.

The deadline for nominations is Friday and chosen finalists will be invited to an awards evening on February 11, at Old Thorns Manor Hotel in Liphook.

Attendees at the 2016 East Hampshire Sports Awards will also have a chance to hear from one of the country’s most successful athletes, Roger Black.

The sporting legend will be giving a motivational speech and answering questions at the event.

The only way to be at the exclusive event is to be nominated for an East Hampshire District Sports Award.

East Hampshire district councillor responsible for community Cllr Julie Butler said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Roger to the sports awards team.

“He’s a local example of sporting excellence and dedication that is an inspiration for anyone who strives to be the best in their sport.

“If any of the young people at the event can achieve anything close to Roger in their sporting lives, they should be very proud.

“Applications are coming in thick and fast and we would love to have more nominations from East Hampshire’s sporting women and teams to increase competition in all of the categories.”

East Hampshire District Council co-ordinate the awards, and the categories are: junior sportsman and junior sportswoman, senior sportsman and senior sportswoman, masters sportsman and sportswoman, junior disability sportsperson, senior disability sportsperson, coach of the year (male or female), volunteer of the year (junior and senior), school team of the year, team of the year (junior and senior), official (male or female), service to sport (male or female), club of the year, and outstanding personal achievement.

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

Anyone who would like to download the guidance and nomination forms should visit www.easthants.gov.uk/sportsawards for more information on the awards.