Budding sports stars are being invited to enter the Darlington Young Sportswinner of the Year competition.

Monthly winners will be chosen in June, July, September, October and November, with a final in December.

Former winners include swimmer Nicola Jackson and cyclist David Cook. Nicola swam at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the first leg of the women's 4 x 200 metres freestyle, less than two years after winning the 1998 award.

David, the first winner of the award, rode in the Olympics and the Tour de France.

As well as the young sportswinner award, sponsored by Orange, there are team, coach and volunteer awards, sponsored respectively by AMEC, the Master Skills Sporting Academy and Darlington Borough Council.

Nomination forms are being prepared and will be available soon.

Sports being considered for June's awards are martial arts, squash, badminton, hockey and table tennis. The closing date for nominations is June 8.

Nominees must live or attend school in Darlington, or be a member of a sporting club in the borough.

The age range for applicants has been extended this year, from 11 to 19, to people between ten and 20.

Entry forms and further details can be obtained from Janet Cooper, at the Easbourne Sports Complex, Darlington, on (01325) 243188.