Nominations are now open for the Cumbria Sports Awards – set to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

The prestigious annual event will be held this year on Friday, November 29 at Windermere’s Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa

Organised by Active Cumbria, it recognises the outstanding talents, commitment and successes of teams and individuals throughout Cumbria who are involved in sport.

The awards also highlight the dedication and commitment of the vast number of volunteers, coaches, and others behind the scenes who make sport happen across the county.

Malcom Wilson of M-Sport will be attending the event as one of three special guests in an interview with awards host Mike Zeller, from BBC Radio Cumbria.

Coincidentally, Malcolm and the team at M-Sport are also celebrating 40 years in sport this year.

M-Sport won Cumbria Team of the Year in 2007 following the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) win, a first for Ford. M-Sport won the title again in 2017 following another WRC win.

Mr Wilson, managing director of M-Sport, said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Cumbria Sports Awards this year, and having celebrated 40 years in business myself this summer it’s a pleasure to join in with the 40th anniversary celebrations of Cumbria Sports awards too.”

To celebrate the 40th anniversary further, Active Cumbria are looking to hear from other former ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ award winners and invite them to attend the presentation dinner.

Former winners can contact Richard Johnston at Active Cumbria on 07973 811204.

The first Cumbria Sports Personality of the Year was awarded in 1979 to John Bell from the world of bowls. John, of Wigton, went on to be the men’s international team manager.

Last year, the award went to England Netball player Helen Housby also of Wigton. But the award has headed to Copeland in the past with goalkeeper Scott Carson winning in 2006.

Nominations can be made at www.activecumbria.org/cumbriasportsawards for the following categories:

n Sports Personality: Finest individual achievement.

n Team: Best team achievement.

n Performance: Best individual performance.

n Service: Extra dedicated service.

n Community Club or Group: Quality local opportunities.

n Young Volunteer/Leader: Extra dedicated young person.

n Junior Team: Best team achievement.

n Rising Star (three awards): Best young talent.

n Coach: Delivering Exceptional impact.

n Junior Personality: Exceptional rising star.

n Volunteer: Greatest volunteering contribution.

n Disability Performance: Excelled beyond barriers.

n Active Education: High-quality physical activity and sporting opportunities at school.