Nominations are now open for this year’s Active Essex Sports Awards - as the event announces an Olympic gold medal winning gymnast will be presenting a trophy.

Public votes have returned for three of the 11 categories by popular demand, including the ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ award which last year was won by Max Whitlock.

The gymnast, who became the first ever Brit to successfully defend his world pommel title at the 2017 World Championships, will vault behind the podium to present the ‘Young Sports Personality of the Year’ award.

He said: “I have a special affinity with this category as it can be a tough road starting out in your chosen sport – and I’ve been lucky to have great support throughout my career. I encourage everyone to nominate somebody they believe deserves recognition.”

The other two awards to be decided by public vote are the ‘Disabled Sports Personality of the Year’ and ‘Unsung Hero’ categories.

East Anglian Daily Times: Winners of the Active Essex Sports Awards 2017 Picture: ACTIVE ESSEXWinners of the Active Essex Sports Awards 2017 Picture: ACTIVE ESSEX (Image: Archant)

Azeem Akhtar, chairman of Active Essex, said: “The annual sports awards highlight those making outstanding contributions to sport and physical activity across our county and are inspiring others to get active.

“We’d like to see as many nominations as possible this year.”

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for sport and physical activity, said: “The Active Essex Sports Awards are not only a great platform for showcasing the intense training all athletes put in, but also the tremendous amount of work that goes into promoting sport in the county.

“There are plenty of categories to choose from and local people are going to be spoilt for choice with the amount of talent Essex has to offer – I’d encourage everyone to make a nomination.”

Nominations, which must be submitted before October 21, can be put forward here.