THE search is on for Ribble Valley's sporting heroes and community champions.

Nominations for the 2008 Ribble Valley Sports and Community Awards are now open.

Nominations are open in the following categories: Club of the Year, Coach of the Year, Volunteer of the Year (Adult and Junior) and Rising Star. There is also a Lifetime Achievement Award in memory of Marjorie Partridge.

Tom Bamber, Ribble Valley Council's sports development officer, said: "The quality and quantity of nominations for the Ribble Valley Sports and Community Awards is usually very high and a testament to the wealth of sporting talent in Ribble Valley."

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 18, and further information is available from Ribble Valley Council's sports development team on 01200 414484 or www.ribblevalley.gov.uk