IT'S that time of year again when the Braintree District celebrates the outstanding efforts and achievements of it's sporting individuals and organisations.

Nominations can now be made for the fifth Active Braintree Sports Awards where residents can put forward the names of clubs and individuals from Braintree, Witham, Halstead and the surrounding areas for the prestigious awards.

The winners will be announced at a gala award ceremony on Monday, November 12, at Braintree Arts Theatre.

Cllr Frankie Ricci, deputy cabinet member for health and communities at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re pleased to bring back the sports awards for another year so we can celebrate those who show incredible commitment, determination and talent in the sporting world.

"If you know of an individual, group, school, coach or club that deserves to be recognised and rewarded, nominate them for one of the awards today.”

The awards, now in their fifth year, will recognise not only the sporting triumphs of 2018 but also the hard work and commitment from volunteers, coaches and schools.

Last year’s winners included Braintree Golf Club's Todd Clements, who took the Sports Personality of the Year award, and St Andrews Primary School in Great Yeldham, who were named as School of the Year.

Nominations for this year's awards are open in the following categories: Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by George Yard Shopping Centre); Young Sports Personality of the Year (sponsored by Fusion Lifestyle); Physical Activity Project of the Year (sponsored by Braintree & Witham Times); Services to Disability Sport (sponsored by Milbank); Unsung Hero (Volunteer) (sponsored by Healthwatch Essex); Young Community Volunteer (U18) (sponsored by Greenfields Community Housing); School or College of the Year (sponsored by Provide); Community Club of the Year (sponsored by Tesco); Coach of the Year (sponsored by First Service Baker Tennis Academy); Life Time Services Award (sponsored by Braintree District Council Chairman).

The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday, October 5.

Nominations can be completed online at www.activeessex.org/abdn-awards or email active@braintree.gov.uk

Paper copies can also be requested by contacting Braintree District Council on 01376 552525 or by visiting Causeway House.