In this Place to be Proud of recap, we spoke to Kevin Laing – dubbed Basingstoke’s Mr Sport – who was praised last year for his tireless efforts with sportspeople and organisations in the area, and was duly awarded with the Basingstoke Ambassador Award.

Mr Laing said: “Having voluntarily been chairman of Basingstoke Sports Council for nearly 30 years it was a great honour to be recognised by the local community.

“I have always had a strong passion for all types of sport and Basingstoke and Deane has a very strong sporting community to be proud of.

“I always promote our clubs plus talented sportsmen and women wherever possible and strongly encourage partnerships between clubs and coaches.”

Since winning the award last year, Kevin hasn’t slowed down.

He is driving forward the 2018 annual Festival of Sport, with the Basingstoke’s German twin town of Euskirchen.

More than 175 athletes will travel to Germany to compete and will be hosted by families there.

As well as that, he also helped to organise the Basingstoke Sports Awards last month.

Kevin added: “This event, which brings together so much talent and achievement to showcase our town, is hosted by the Apollo Hotel and I again had the honour of comparing the event last month alongside a mayor’s sporting reception the following week.”

After receiving the award last year, Kevin has opened up new local contacts and even been recognised a few times for his achievement.

Kevin said: “I have been promoting this event for years now and encouraging organisations and individuals to consider nominations.

“It is another opportunity to showcase the people of Basingstoke and as many possible should be up on the stage in the limelight if only for a few moments of recognition for their time, dedication and achievements.”

Closing date for the nominations is March 23, and they can be made online at destinationbasingstoke.co.uk.