IT’S that time of year when we at the Swindon Advertiser start to think about our annual sports awards.

After another fantastic 12 months of sport in the town, the Swindon Advertiser sports desk is currently in the process of selecting this year’s nominations.

However, we need readers to help us out with nominations for two special awards.

New for this year is the Sports Personality award. This award recognises a sportsperson’s character and personality rather than ability or achievement.

One thing Swindon is certainly not short of is 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?

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!