Those who organise a training session on a wet Thursday evening, compete in sports across the globe or do extraordinary things for their love of sport are to be recognised by the city.

The seventh Preston Sports Awards, sponsored by MWR Solicitors, is open for nominations to reward the dedication, talent and commitment of the sporting stars of the city.

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A glitzy award ceremony at the Guild Hall will see coaches, teams and young stars honoured.

Last year’s lifetime and achievement awards was won by local ice skater Louise Walden, for winning the 2011 British and Welsh championships.

The video below, complete with standard Coldplay soundtrack, shows the great range of sports played in Preston.

Councillor Tom Burns, cabinet member for leisure, said: “The sports awards are a great way to recognise those people who have made significant achievements in sports across the city.

“Preston is famous for its sporting achievements and it is important that we recognise and support the stars of the future as well as those who have given their time and support to help others through sport.

“I would like to thank all the kind sponsors for their support without whom the awards would not be possible.”

There are 17 awards up for grabs and nominations can be made online via the Preston council website.

Nomination forms can also be picked up at leisure centres, Preston North End, UCLan and the Minerva Centre.

All nominations must be in by Friday 10th February 2012 and the winners will be announced on Friday 9th March 2012.

Tickets for the sports awards are available from the Guild Hall box office on 01772 258 858

Full list of the categories and their sponsors:

Coach of the year (Sponsor – Preston City Council)

Club of the year (Sponsor – Ambulant Physiotherapy)

Volunteer of the year (16-24) (Sponsor – Frank Whittle Partnership)

Volunteer of the year (25+) (Sponsor – Milano)

Rising star (Sponsor – Millers Taxis)

Achievement/Performance of the year (male junior) (Sponsor – MWR Solicitors)

Achievement/Performance Of the year (female junior)(Sponsor – Preston College)

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Achievement/Performance Of the year (senior) (Sponsor – Cotton Court)

Disabled athlete of the year (Sponsor – Paper Innovation Ltd)

Team performance of the year (junior team) (Sponsor – UCLan)

Team performance of the year (senior team) (Sponsor – GB Energy)

School team of the year (primary) (Sponsor – Skiddle.com)

School team of the year (secondary) (Sponsor – Kukri Sports)

Community organisation of the year (Sponsor – Jigsaw Training)

Higher/Further education team of the year (Sponsor – BMW Bowker)

Special recognition/service to sport (Sponsor – NHS Central Lancashire)

Lifetime achievement (Sponsor – John Turners & Sons)

Image credit to Mick Craig