South Essex has shown its sporting prowess with a host of nominees for this year’s Active Essex awards – including a group recently visited by royalty.

The awards will recognise the individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions to sport and physical activity in Essex and the finalists are now invited to attend a glittering ceremony at Chelmsford City Racecourse.

In total there are 11 categories at this year’s awards, including coach of the year, community club of the year and the young sports personality of the year, which this year will be presented by double Olympic gymnastics champion Max Whitlock MBE, winner of the 2016 and 2017 Sports Personality of the Year prize.

Basildon’s Sport for Confidence scheme, which was recently part of a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, is shortlisted for an inclusive sport title.

Director of Active Essex Jason Fergus, said: “The Essex public have submitted hundreds of inspirational nominations to celebrate the achievements of local sports clubs, coaches, volunteers and talented athletes who all demonstrate the long-lasting impact sport can have on changing lives and communities. I would like to thank everybody who has made a nomination and congratulate the finalists.”

South Essex shortlisted finalists including Basildon Council, in the active workplace of the year category.

Essex Fit Mums, based in Basildon, is a finalist in the changing lives through sport and physical activity category, while Bowers Pitsea Youth Football Club is in the running for the community club of the year award.

In the education champion of the year award, Thameside Primary School in Grays is a finalist while Motivated Minds based in Basildon, is in the running for the services to inclusive sport gong.

Alice Kinsella, a Basildon based gymnast, and athletics star, Sam Bennett, of Basildon, are both in with a shot of being named the young sport personality of the year.

In the young volunteer category, Basildon netball player Emily Brown has been shortlisted.