A MAN recognised for more than two decades of commitment to a local rugby club has urged others to nominate their unsung heroes for this year’s Malvern Hills District Council Community Sports Awards.

Dave Robins was presented with the Unsung Hero Award at last year’s event for his work with Malvern RFC. Nominations have now opened for the 2018 awards, which will be hosted on July 13 at the Bank House, Bransford.

And Mr Robins is urging residents to put forward the coaches, clubs, volunteers and sporting stars making a difference in the district.

He said: “I was very proud to have won my award, and I’m hugely grateful to Malvern RFC. I think it’s very important people nominate others because it allows them to make a statement in respect of the good that they are doing for their community.”

There are 13 award categories, including positive change of the year and sports school of the year.

The council is organising the event in association with Freedom Leisure, who are sponsoring the awards for the second consecutive year.

Over 200 guests will be invited to the ceremony, including nominees, their families, local sport and leisure clubs, local businesses and dignitaries. The ceremony will be hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Andrew Easton.

Cllr David Watkins, portfolio holder for healthier communities on ghe council, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to recognise people like Dave. There are many more like him across the district who deserve a thank you for the way they enable people to enjoy sport and the positive benefits of being active. We can only recognise them though if you tell us who they are, so please get nominating.”

To nominate, visit malvernhills.gov.uk/sports-awards for more information. For more information on sponsoring an award, email sophie.jackson@malvernhills.gov.uk.