ONE of the leading names in athletics will host the Journal Sports Awards.

Welsh sprinter Iwan Thomas MBE, a champion 400 metre runner, will compere the event.

Unsung sporting heroes will be recognised by Thomas at the Ray Mac on Friday, November 4 (7pm).

“I am delighted to be a part of this event. I know Salisbury is a great little sporting city and it’s good that these awards are back after more than a decade to recognise the often unsung achievements of people who deserve to be rewarded for their contribution to local sport,” said the 42-year-old, who lives in Southampton.

“As a Saints Foundation ambassador, I love my football but athletics has always been my sport and I hope that some of the local track and field athletes and coaches will be in with a chance of winning awards on the night.”

Thomas’ first major event came in 1992 at the World Junior Championships for the British 4x400m relay team.

Four years later, he was selected for Great Britain at Atlanta Olympics and notched a silver medal in the 4x400m event. He won gold in the 1997 Athens World Championships with the relay team before winning his own individual gold and relay gold a year later at the Budapest European Championships.

Since retiring from the track, Thomas has pursued a career in the media, working on BBC’s The One Show, co-presenting Moto GP on BT Sport and most recently commentating and presenting at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

“Having just returned from presenting Channel Four’s Paralympics coverage in Rio, it’s also great to see an award for disability sports personality of the year up for grabs too,” Thomas added.

There are 15 awards which recognise the sporting talent across the city.

They include: 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.

In addition, there will be a selection of players/teams who will be awarded for making outstanding progression.

To nominate, email sportsawards@salisburyjournal.co.uk. Entries close at midnight tonight.

Anyone wishing to attend, including nominees, must buy a £40 ticket at www.salisburyfc.co.uk/index.php/shop