Manchester City's head coach Derek Fazackerley, former Blackburn Rovers star Kevin Gallagher, Preston Norht End assistant manager Rob Kelly and Olympic swimmer Rob Greenwood were present to launch this year's ceremony at Preston's Guild Hall.

The awards recognise sports stars young and old, volunteers, coaches and community groups who contribute to the sporting infrastructure of the city.

North End legend Sir Tom believes that the awards are an excellent chance to reward the unsung heroes of local sport.

"It's vital to support local grassroots sport," he told the Evening Post. "The local voluntary people don't get the recognition they deserve, so I think this is a fantastic event."

A total of 16 categories are up for grabs, including Rising Star, Performance of the Year, Disabled Award, and Fair Play Award, with the winners being announced on March 14.

Phil Walsh, head of leisure and sport at Preston City Council, said: "The awards are there to recognise the under-valued people in local sport – it's a celebration of the grassroots.

"Their contribution to sport and society is immense – without them there would not be professional sport."

Now in its third year, the event, promoted by Preston Sports Forum and organised by Preston City Council, will take place at a new venue, The Guild Hall, after it outgrew the Great Room at Deepdale.

"Many people spend a lot of time developing local sports and they don't get the recognition we do in the professional game, so I was more than happy to get involved," said Preston-born Derek Fazackerley, the head coach at Manchester City.

Nomination forms are available at all local leisure centres, or can be downloaded from the council's website. The closing date for nominations is Friday, February 22.

Tickets for the awards, which includes a two-course dinner, cost £17.50 and are available from Kate Dixon or Martin Robinson on 01772 906188.