REGISTRATION for nominations for the 2017 Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Awards opens today.

The Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire are urging people in the two counties to put forward candidates who they feel deserve recognition for their achievements and dedication to sport.

The awards celebrate local people, clubs and organisations for their hard work, commitment and passion for grassroots sport as well as at amateur and professional levels.

The partnership have made changes and there are now 12 categories available including two new ones — the female coach and the aspiring talent award which was formerly junior male and female sport person of the year.

Others alongside the main sports personality accolade are for disabled sports person, sports school, BBC Power of Sport, volunteer, young volunteer, community club, community project, male coach and unsung hero.

Stephen Brewster, partnership chief executive officer, said: “This event is our chance to honour our local sports men and women, coaches, volunteers, clubs and officials.

"Over the years we have received such huge support for the awards.

"We feel it is important people get their say on who has made an impact on sport, young people and local communities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"Recognising sporting achievements and celebrating good practice within the sporting community is at the very heart of what we do and we will be championing the hard work and talent that exists within Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"We look forward to receiving and welcoming nominations for our local sporting heroes.”

The annual event, attended by more than 250 amateur and professional sports people, local businesses and dignitaries, will be on Thursday, November 23, at Worcester's Sixways Stadium.

A full list of this year’s categories and registration for nominations can be found at sportspartnershiphw.co.uk/sportsawards.

Nominations will close at 11.59pm on Sunday, September 17.