ATHLETES, teams and coaches who have shone in disability sport will be celebrated at an event in the spring.

The Disability Sports Awards, now in their ninth year, celebrate the achievements of North-East clubs, schools and individuals and rewards them for their commitment.

Winners at the 2014 awards included British record holder in swimming Matthew Wylie and Paralympian wheelchair track athlete Jade Jones.

The club of the year award went to the North-East Visually Impaired Tennis Club and football Coach Craig Riach won participant of the year.

The categories are male and female personality, young male and young female achiever, team and coach of the year, in addition to awards for service to sport, participants, schools and clubs.

Jean Lordon, Executive Director of Tees Valley Sport said: “The awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the successes of our region’s sporting stars. We are looking forward to hearing about some very talented sports people and lots of activity being provided in our community sports clubs.

"It’s great to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their achievements.”

Triple Paralympic Champion Stephen Miller, who is supporting the event through his Community Interest Company SMILE Through Sport, said: "There are some extremely talented sportspeople in the North-East, and some exceptional clubs, coaches and volunteers who are dedicated to developing opportunities for disabled people to take part in sport.

"They do fantastic work and I hope a lot of people take the opportunity to nominate them to give them the recognition they deserve.”

To nominate, fill out the online form at www.nedsa.co.uk before Sunday, January 31.

The awards ceremony will be held at The Dolphin Centre in Darlington on Thursday 14 April.