NOMINATIONS for Wigan Borough's 2018 Sports Awards have opened.

The ceremony will honour volunteers, coaches, clubs and athletes across 11 categories and is organised by Inspiring healthy lifestyles on behalf of Wigan Council.

Last year's Sports Achiever of the Year was 13-year-old Danni Williams and its Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award went to Steven Johnson who lost six stone in six months.

A new category called the Wigan Council Deal Community Programme of the Year is for groups which demonstrate how a community activity has had a positive impact on residents in support of its improved physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Head of wellbeing for Inspiring healthy lifestyles, Lynsey Johnson, said: “We know, from our day-to-day work in the community that there are so many wonderful individuals, team and groups of people who deserve to be recognised and we would encourage anyone who knows someone like this to take the time to nominate them.

“It is extremely important to recognise inspirational people who are making such a valuable contribution to sport every day of the year.

“The Believe Sports Awards provides an opportunity to give them the recognition they deserve and celebrate the talent being developed at grassroots level.”

The awards night will take place at the DW Stadium on Friday, October 12.

Nominations should reflect achievements between September 2017 and the closing date is July 2018.

To make a nomination visit the online form at inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/believesportsawards.

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

Coach of the Year (Sponsored by Link Contracting)

Club of the Year (Sponsored by Big Wave Media)

Sports Achiever of the Year (sponsored by DFC)

Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year (sponsored by Agilisys)

Volunteer of the Year

The Wilf Brogan Unsung Hero Award (Sponsored by F Parkinson Ltd)

Changing Lifestyle Recognition Award (sponsored by Technogym)

Team of the Year

The Martin Lynn School Commitment to PE and Sport (Sponsored by Alliance Leisure)

Sports Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by NPS)

The Deal Community Programme of the Year (Sponsored by Wigan Council)