MORE than 30 top performing local sportspeople, teams, volunteers, coaches, and community champions have been unveiled as finalists in the hotly contested Teignbridge Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2011.

The awards, run by Teignbridge Council, celebrate the huge range of sporting talent in the district, which include many internationally renowned athletes.

The judging panel has just finished selecting and writing to the committed and talented people who comprise the 2011 finalist shortlist.

The awards – which recognise sporting success and contributions at all levels across the district – will be presented at a gala ceremony on Friday, November 18 at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren.

Sponsored by Newton Abbot Racecourse and a raft of local companies and organisations, the awards will be compered by popular Palm FM presenter and long-time host Ben Moseby, with a guest presenter announcing the winners.

Featuring 14 categories, the awards recognise those who give sport their all and make Teignbridge a district of champions.

With many finalists setting their sights on representing Great Britain in their sports and others competing internationally, it has proved an exceptionally competitive and closely fought year for the awards.

The finalists for 2011 are:FULL STORY IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION