A hunt has been launched to find people who help to boost and promote sport across the borough of Great Yarmouth.

The Great Yarmouth Sports Awards 2017 have been launched with people able to make nominations in 11 categories to recognise those who contribute to sport in the area.

The winners in each category will be chosen by a panel including Kerry Robinson-Payne, the mayor of the Great Yarmouth borough, Anne Edwards, Archant's coastal editor for the EDP and Great Yarmouth Mercury, and Paul Evans, former Olympic long distance runner, plus representatives of Sentinel Leisure Trust and Great Yarmouth Sports Partnership.

Mr Evans, 55, from Beccles and who competed at the Atlanta and Barcelona Olympics, said: 'I think it's very important to recognise local sports clubs and people.'

Mrs Edwards said: 'I'm delighted to be supporting these awards which recognise not only dedication to sport but also in many cases to helping others to achieve and reach their potential.'

The 11 categories are Sporting Primary School of the Year, Sporting Secondary School of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Young Sportsperson of the Year, Sports Team of the Year, Community Club of the Year, Coach of the Year, Services to Sport – Unsung Hero, Services to Disability Sport, Sporting Business of the Year and Community Activity of the Year.

All individuals nominated must either live in the borough or be involved with a sports organisation based in the borough.

All organisations nominated must be based in the borough.

The results will be announced at an awards presentation ceremony on Wednesday, October 4 at the town hall with trophies presented by Mrs Robinson-Payne.

The top three nominations in each category will be entered into the county-wide Norfolk Sports Awards, run by Active Norfolk.

Cllr Andy Grant, chairman of the housing and neighbourhoods committee at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: 'The sports awards aim to raise awareness of sporting excellence and opportunities across the borough, honouring the many and diverse individuals and organisations who contribute so much through sport to communities.

'Each year, we receive some 30 to 60 nominations covering a wide spectrum of sports, genders and ages – and choosing the winners is always difficult for the judges. Our heroes and heroines are not necessarily those who win gold medals, but those who are committed to sport and their communities.'

Claire Henwood, of Sentinel Leisure Trust, said: 'This year it gives me great pleasure to announce that Sentinel Leisure Trust, in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Great Yarmouth Sports Partnership, will be hosting the Great Yarmouth Sports Awards. The awards are a great showcase of not only sporting talent but also for those individuals, groups and communities that do great things for their local club and or community.'

John White, chairman of the Great Yarmouth Sports Partnership, said: 'It has been another great year for local sporting achievements and after the success of last year, locally and at the Norfolk County Sports Awards, let's make 2017 one to remember by recognising those individuals, teams and groups that deserve it.

'If you have a club member, a friend or relative, who you think is worthy of an award, then please nominate them – they rely on you to give them a chance of winning. Let's make this year's judging even more competitive.'

The Great Yarmouth Sports Awards 2017 are supported by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Sentinel Leisure Trust, Great Yarmouth Sports Council, Great Yarmouth Sports Partnership and Active Norfolk.

Nomination forms and the entry criteria are available at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/gy-sports-awards-2017 or from Matt Stebbings on 07903 468010 or matt.stebbings@sentinellt.co.uk