WE have launched a search for the sporting stars of North Devon.

The North Devon Journal Sports Awards 2010 will celebrate the achievements of men and women, boys and girls, in all sports, from angling to water polo, be they Olympic athletes or pub skittlers.

Awards will be presented in 11 categories, from the prestigious North Devon Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year to the Champagne Moment, celebrating a single highlight in the previous 12 months.

But we need your help to find those who most deserve to be recognised in these awards.

Tell us who you think should be nominated for which award and why by e-mail to sportsawards@northdevonjournal.co.uk.

All nominees will then be considered by our judging panel, who will select a shortlist of three for each category, with the winners announced at the North Devon Journal Sports Awards 2010 Dinner at the Barnstaple Hotel on Thursday, November 18.

All those shortlisted will be invited to attend the ceremony, with tickets also going on general sale. Keep an eye on the Journal in the coming weeks for details of how you can join us.

We are committed to celebrating sporting achievement through the pages of the Journal each week, now you can help us take that even further.

Start nominating!

● North Devon Journal Sports Awards 2010 categories:

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Tribute): The sports person who, in the judges' opinion, has shown the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to sport at their level.

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Stagecoach South West): The sports person who, in the judges' opinion, has shown the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to sport at their level.

YOUNG SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Truscotts): An award for the nominee aged under 18 (on November 18, 2010) who has demonstrated the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to sport at their level.

YOUNG SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Brend Hotels): An award for the nominee aged under 18 (on November 18, 2010) who has demonstrated the highest level of skill, performance and dedication to sport at their level.

SENIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR: They may be netball league champions or skittles knockout cup winners – a team, in any sport, at any level, that has achieved consistent success throughout the year and shown great commitment.

JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Parkwood Leisure): As with the senior prize, the winning team (made up of players aged under 18 on November 18, 2010) will need to have enjoyed success and shown commitment to their sport throughout the year.

COACH OF THE YEAR: An inspirational figure, working with seniors and/or juniors, who has led a team or individual to success, all the time helping sportspeople make the most of their ability.

OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: Celebrating the men and women with the whistle. This is an award for the match official – maybe a rugby referee, cricket umpire or tennis line judge – who has demonstrated a high level of ability and commitment to their role.

PUB SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR: One of the most lively, fun and competitive areas of sport in North Devon. Skittlers, potters and throwers will be among those battling it out for this prize.

OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO NORTH DEVON SPORT (sponsored by Gasmark): The winner of this award is likely to be one of those unsung heroes who dedicate a huge part of their life to a role in an organisation, club or sport.

CHAMPAGNE MOMENT: Sport is not just about results, goals and points or facts and figures. This award will celebrate the magic of sport by rewarding those involved in one key moment of the year – maybe a cup final-winning goal or crucial spare in the skittle alley.