THE Swindon Advertiser Sports Awards are closing in and we still need your help to ensure the night goes off with a bang.

We will be celebrating another fantastic 12 months of sport in the town on February 23 next year and you can do your bit by helping us out.

The night itself will be preceded by a commemorative supplement due out on January 7 and followed by another special pullout on March 1.

We’ve come up with a list of nominees in nine categories but we are relying on members of the Swindon public to nominate individuals for two other special awards.

One of these is the Sports Personality award, which is new for this year and recognises a sportsperson’s character and personality rather than ability or achievement.

Swindon is certainly not short of sporting personalities, from the flourishing panache of Town manager Paolo Di Canio to the cheeky charm of Swindon Robins boss Alun Rossiter.

Maybe you prefer the quieter humility of Swindon-born Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley or the gentle giant that is PDC darts star Dennis Smith? Ultimately it is up to you, who you go for.

Then we have the Grassroots Unsung Hero award. This award recognises the efforts of people behind the scenes in sport who often don’t receive the credit they deserve.

North Wilts Youth Football League general secretary Margaret Rivers won this award last year for her years of dedication.

There are hundreds of potential winners in Swindon this time round, who sink thousands of hours every year into sport and are vital cogs in their respective machines.

This is where you, the readers, come in. If you know an ‘unsung hero’ or ‘sports personality’, we would like to know about them.

Send your nominations to sport@swindonadvertiser.co.uk, stating the full name and contact details of your nomination. Please also tell us which category you wish to nominate them for.

You can also contact us by post, sending your nominations to Sports Awards, Sports Desk, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, Old Town, SN1 3BE or by phone on 01793 501832.

Remember, without your nomination, your favourite sports personality will not win, so it’s vital that you get in touch with us.

Get voting!