SPORTSMEN and sportswomen across Teignbridge are eagerly anticipating this year’s Teignbridge Sports Awards.

The annual event celebrates sporting achievements and community projects across the district, recognising athletes, volunteers, teams, committees, coaches and community champions who go the extra mile for their sport.

The awards see nominations across 12 categories before the overall Teignbridge Sports Personality of the Year 2016 is crowned at the event which takes place on Friday, December 2, at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren.

Popular presenter Ben Moseby is making a return to the event which will be opened by Teignbridge Council leader Cllr Jeremy Christophers.

There will be a charity raffle in aid of the council chairman’s charities, which this year are Volunteering In Health, Dawlish Gardens Trust and Teignbridge Homeless Action Today.

Event organisers have wished all the nominees good luck for the contest whose main sponsor is Kitson Solicitors.

The event has been also been supported by the Mid-Devon Advertiser, Sea Sports South West, Langstone Cliff Hotel, Hotline Fencing, Devon FA, Hannah’s and Seale Hayne, Bayside Graphics, Complete Estate and Letting Agents, Lamars Decorating Contractors, South Devon College, Seymour Horwell Volvo Specialists, Newton Abbot’s Market Walk, SES Recruitment, Dartmoor School Sports Partnership and Active Devon.

Cllr Christophers said: ‘The Sports Personality of the Year is another highlight, in a memorable one in Teignbridge for sport, tourism, activity and youth.

‘This event goes from strength to strength and I cannot wait to see and hear the stories of the success of our growing sports community.’

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge Council’s executive spokesman for recreation and leisure, said: ‘This is sure to be a wonderful event, celebrating sporting achievement and community champions.

‘It is fantastic to recognise such passion and enthusiasm, which I hope will encourage other people to get active.

‘Thank you to all the sponsors involved who play a crucial part in the events success and good luck to everyone on the night.’

James Cross, managing partner at Kitsons, added: ‘Kitsons are delighted to sponsor this local event once again, which recognises the important hard work and dedication of the community and the benefits of sport.

‘We’d also like to say thank you to our fellow sponsors for their continued support and wish all the nominated participants the best of luck on the night.’