HARD-WORKING sports coaches or volunteers involved in clubs and organisations will be saluted in an annual awards ceremony.

Stockton Borough Council is calling for nominations for worthy people working in the borough who deserve recognition.

The deadline for nominations for the Stockton-on-Tees 2006 Club and Coach Awards is Friday, March 31, and everyone is invited to make a nomination.

The awards recognise people who work unnoticed in the background to keep clubs and organisations running.

The presentation ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 26, at Northfield School and Specialist Sports College, from 7pm.

Trevor Massey, sports development officer for the council, said: "Many coaches and volunteers not only invest many hours of unpaid time to help others in sport, but also assist their clubs with cash donations. These awards are an opportunity to receive the recognition they richly deserve."

Application forms are available from the sports development office on (01642) 526274, or from the councils website www.stockton.gov.uk/sports development.