TIME is running out to make a nomination for the Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards for 2017.

Nominations for the sports awards and applications for grant funding and scholarships are being taken until Saturday, 2 December.

These awards are recognised across the county for the standard of finalists and it is hoped this can be maintained, as well as gaining finalists from as wide a range of sports as possible.

Junior and senior schools who have had a particularly successful year both in healthy school activities alongside competition honours are encouraged to submit applications too.

Talented junior sportsmen and women can and should be nominated by schools, colleges, clubs and the competitors themselves to ensure that talent in the area is showcased at the annual glittering awards evening.

The 2017 awards night will, once again, be held at the Apollo Hotel and takes place at Friday, 23 February 2018.

Additionally, nominations are encouraged for junior volunteers and officials from within any sport..

Senior awards for both sportsmen and women are also welcome and organisers say, with the level of talent is so high locally, the selection of finalists and winners is no easy task in what is always two of the most popular awards of the night.

Senior volunteers and officials are the backbone of all sports and events and it is hoped that the Basingstoke sporting community will recognise the time, effort and skill they put into local sport.

Also presented on the night is The Gazette Sports Personality Award which is voted for by the readers of this paper.

Basingstoke is fortunate to have an array of successful teams at both junior and senior level including schools and colleges.

But individuals and teams need high-quality coaching to succeed so awards for both volunteer and professional coaches are up for grabs.

The two main awards of the evening are for Service to Sport, recognising the long-term achievement of individuals within a club or league or other institution and also Club of the Year, which identifies a club which has good practice and sportsmanship in place alongside a great atmosphere, wide range of ages and great achievements or development during 2017.

Kevin Laing, chairman of the Basingstoke Sports Council and organiser of the event, said: “Don’t miss this opportunity to gain recognition for individual and team efforts and achievements.

“This is always a great evening and showcases just how much sporting talent there is in the town.”

Full details for all applications are available at basingstoke.gov.uk.