There is set to be a strong presence from the Braintree District when this year’s Active Essex Sports Awards are held in Colchester next month.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in Colchester on December 2 and there are plenty of representatives from Braintree and the surrounding area in the list of finalists.

Young Braintree Bowmen archery ace Imogen Newby is up for the Young Sports Personality honour after jointly sharing the same award with athlete Leah Duncan in the Active Braintree Sports Awards last week.

There was also joy for Braintree BMX Club in the local awards as they took home the Club of the Year category win and they have now been nominated in the Community Club of the Year in the county-wide awards.

The Young Volunteer award has seen Lewis Brennan shortlisted in recognition for the work the youngster does in his free time to support Ramsey Academy’s sports department alongside studying for his GCSE exams.

Continuing the educational presence for Braintree within the Essex awards is Beckers Green Primary School, who have been nominated in the School or college of the Year category.

And, having won the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year award at the Active Braintree ceremony last week, 92-year-old Halstead Courtauld Bowls Club stalwart Lenna Rayner has been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero honour in the Essex awards.

Gary Sullivan OBE, chairman of Active Essex, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating outstanding contributions to sport and physical activity in Greater Essex represented by some of the most talented and dedicated sports people in the county.

“It is their passion and effort that keeps Essex at the top of the sporting charts; they are the local heroes inspiring the next generation.”