Residents are encouraged to nominate their favourite sporting hero or organisation.

The Active Essex Sports Awards is an annual event that celebrates the outstanding achievements of sporting organisations and individuals.

Residents can nominate their local sporting heroes in one of 11 categories that recognise talent from grassroots to elite level.

One of this year’s categories includes ‘Sports Personality of the Year’, which is awarded to an athlete who has made a significant impact on sports and physical activity in the county.

Last year the category was won by Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Max Whitlock of South Essex Gymnastics Club, following his incredible success in Rio.

Azeem Akhtar, chair of Active Essex, said: “The annual sports awards highlight those making outstanding contributions to sport and physical activity across our county and are inspiring others to get active.”

Nominations close Friday, October 20. Go to activeessex.org/sports-awards-2017 to apply. The winner will be announced in December.