Melton Times Sports Awards for 2018 nominees announced

Our Melton Times Sports Awards winners for 2017 at last year's ceremony EMN-190201-171051002

We have been blown away by the quantity and quality of the response this year, and our judges face a stiff task in whittling them down to just three finalists for 13 of our 16 awards, and then deciding the winners.

The finalists will be announced in next week’s Melton Times and online at www.meltontimes.co.uk from Thursday.

All will be sent an invitation to attend our gala awards night at Melton Mowbray Market’s banqueting suite on Thursday, February 28.

Our Junior Team of the Year for 2018 finalists, including winners Priory Belvoir Academy. Who will claim the prize this year? EMN-190130-132907002

The judges will also draw up shortlists for our two top awards – the Sports Personality of the Year and Junior Sports Personality of the Year.

They will also be announced in next week’s edition when voting will open for you to decide the winners of these two top awards.

Further to that, the judges will also choose the winner of our Special Recognition Award, who will be announced on the night.

The awards evening, to be hosted for the second year running by BBC Radio presenter Melvyn Prior, will see all of the winners unveiled in classic Oscars-style.

Melton Times sports editor Chris Harby said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time and trouble to nominate and also congratulate everyone who has made it this far.

“Last year’s awards night was really well received and the interest this year has been incredible.

“I can’t remember the last time we had so many nominees, and there are a lot of new names whish is really pleasing and shows how healthy the awards are.

“A record number of sponsors are also getting behind the event this year, and we’re delighted to see several new businesses joining us as well as our loyal long-time supporters.

“Without them, the night just wouldn’t happen so we’d like to say a huge thank-you to them once again.

“To be recognised by your peers in this way is a success in itself, and I’m sure the judges will have a touch task in deciding who will make it through to our awards night.

“I would also like to say a huge thank-you to our loyal sponsors for their support once again without whom we wouldn’t be able to pay tribute to our local sporting stars.”

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR