NORTH-EAST athletes can praise the achievement of their sporting heroes during a special awards ceremony.

The 2012 North-East Disability Sports Awards will honour performers, clubs, coaches and volunteers from the region.

Nominations are now open for six categories, including male and female personality of the year.

The ceremony follows the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Jean Lordon, Executive Director of Tees Valley Sport, and Chair of the Disability Awards Organising Committee, said she hoped people would support the awards.

She said: “We are celebrating a fantastic year of sport full of gold medals and many personal bests by our disabled athletes and rising stars.

“These awards will celebrate their sporting performances and also the commitment, skills and enthusiasm of the volunteers who are crucial in supporting community sport and the individuals who achieve success at the highest levels.

“The North-East is passionate about sport and we look forward to receiving some excellent nominations.”

She said athletes Will Smith and Charlotte Ellis, who were crowned last year’s male and female personality of the year respectively, will be part of the judging panel.

Other award categories include young male and female achiever of the year, club of the year, and a service to sport award.

The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, 26 February, at The Durham Centre.

To make a nomination, log on to www.nedsa.co.uk

The closing date for entries is Friday, January 11.