SPORTING stars have made the shortlist for the annual Active Essex Sport Awards.

Health organisation Active Essex celebrates the county’s greatest sporting achievements while recognising individuals, community partners and organisations that inspire Essex residents to get active.

Sue Clarke, from Braintree, is a finalist for Sports Personality of the Year.

She took up a duathlon aged 59. A duathlon is an athletic event that consists of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then another running leg.

Within her first year of training she qualified for the British Triathlon Age Group and has since represented Great Britain every year, winning multiple medals and podium finishes.

George Cook, from Braintree, has also made it to the finals of the Unsung Hero award which praises volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to local sport.

Tom Doughty, also from Braintree, is a finalist in the Inclusive Communities award, celebrating individuals who have had an impact on under-represented groups in the community.

Braintree BMX Club and the Martial Arts Centre Braintree have been shortlisted for Community Club of the Year for their work with the community.

Braintree Council has also been shortlisted for Active Workplace of the Year, highlighting a company or department which encourages employees to be more active in the workplace.

Jason Fergus, director at Active Essex, said: “We have had more than 600 nominations in total and I would like to say a big thank you to the community for your nominations and a big congratulations to all the finalists.”

The awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday, December 4 at Chelmsford City Racecourse.