THE Salisbury Journal Sports Awards are back, returning after more than a decade away.

With the Olympic spirit ringing around the country, what better time than now to entice our readers to nominate their favourite local stars, teams and back-room guys and girls?

Sporting excellence in Salisbury and south Wiltshire is on the ascendancy. That’s why we are teaming up with sponsors and sports groups across the region to bring a return of one of the most exciting nights of the year.

The event is in partnership with a host of local businesses, who say they are keen to encourage individuals at all levels of improvement.

It is also supported by the Chapel Nightclub whose co-owner Amanda Newbery says: “Local sport has many stars both at competition level and in the backrooms through coaching and other support.

“We will be delighted to play our part in giving them the recognition they deserve.”

The search for those 'stars' will take place throughout the coming weeks and culminate in a gala dinner on Friday, November 4.

Now’s the time to start telling us about the people in Salisbury and south Wiltshire who make sports a success in the region.

We want to find all of the following:

Sports personality of the year; Male sports personality of the year; Female sports personality of the year; Senior team of the year; Community club of the Year; Coach of the year; Disability sports personality of the year; Outstanding service to sport in south Wiltshire; Footballer of the year; Rugby player of the year; Cricket player of the year; Hockey player of the year; Athlete & swimmer of the year; Indoor Sports player of the year; Outdoor Pursuits.

Bill Browne, editor and publisher of the Journal, said: “As well as recognising the cream of professional and elite sport across the region, we want to decorate people who represent the heart and soul of our sporting success at grass roots level.

“Right now we need readers’ help in finding the people who deserve to be honoured.

“Our Community Sports Personality of the Year could be someone who has put in hours coaching youngsters or adults - whether it be at football, tennis, cricket, rugby or whatever other sport.

“He or she may have put in years of selfless hard work to bring joy to others and help them develop their talents and become winners - or simply overcome the odds.

“Perhaps it could be one of the region’s many sporting heroes who help run teams in our local adult or junior football leagues. Or even one of those unpaid stalwarts who help run the leagues themselves - often putting time and money towards the cause.

“It could be someone who washes the kits, drives the team bus, makes the tea or who simply helps with vital fund-raising to keep young - or old - sporting dreams alive.

“Or it could be a sponsor who has not just put their money behind a league, a team, a club, an individual or a project, but who has gone the extra mile in other ways to show they care. And have made a real difference.”

To nominate someone, email sportsawards@salisburyjournal.co.uk.