ORGANISERS of an awards ceremony to celebrate sporting achievements of Richmondshire youngsters are calling for nominations from coaches, teachers and parents.

The Richmondshire Local Sports Association Awards recognise and support young sporting stars for their contribution to sport and the recognition they bring to the district.

Association chairman, Richmondshire District Councillor Peter Wood, said the awards had helped hundreds of children over the years – including British swimmer Joanna Jackson and her Olympic swimmer sister Nicola.

Cllr Wood said: “I have been doing this for 15 years now and I think they are special every year.

“We offer grants to our winners and the amount we raise to give out has really grown over the years.

“We give every pound we raise back to the youngsters - we get a lot of support from businesses and local councils.

“We have a panel of about 16 members of the community including coaches and councillors to discuss and evaluate each nomination, so it is a really robust selection process.”

Anyone who knows of a young person worthy of recognition for their achievement in a particular sport can make a nomination through www.richmondshire.gov.uk

Awards will be presented in nine categories. Nominations must be received by Friday, July 18 and the ceremony will take place in September.

For further information contact Sarah Jenkins on 01748-901016, email richmondshiresportsassoc@hotmail.co.uk, or Cllr Wood on 01748-833127 or cllr.p.wood@richmondshire.gov.uk