THE Malvern Hills District Community Sports Awards returns for its seventh year with the opportunity to recognise coaches, clubs, volunteers and sporting stars.

Nominations are sought for the thirteen categories on offer, including Positive Change of the Year and Sports School of the Year, which are both new for the 2017 awards.

The winners will be announced during a ceremony on Thursday, July 13, at the Bank House Hotel.

More than 200 guests including nominees, their families, local sport and leisure clubs and organisations, local businesses, councillors, police and more are expected to attend.

The awards are run by Malvern Hills District Council, and the ceremony will be hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester drivetime presenter Andrew Easton, and produced by Malvern-based AN Event Services.

Cllr David Watkins, portfolio holder for healthier communities, said: “Our five-year plan reflects our commitment to encouraging people across our district to be more active.

"By shining a light on those who have a positive impact on sport in the community, we hope to inspire others to get active too. I would urge everyone to nominate a club, team or individual who they think deserves to be celebrated at this prestigious event.”

Nominations forms are available at malvernhills.gov.uk/sports-awards. The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 26. Any companies or organisations that would like to sponsor an award should email sophie.jackson@malvernhills.gov.uk for more information.