TIME is running out for you to have your say on who will be a winner in the Journal Sports Awards 2004.

Just eight days remain for you to cast your vote and help decide who walks away with the honours at our gala presentation ceremony at City Hall next month.

Your votes are flooding in every day in their hundreds but, with many categories still too close to call, every vote really does count.

The now well-established event has become one of the highlights in the area's sporting calendar.

Our glittering party takes place on Thursday, February 3, and will unite the cream of the district's sporting talent in one room for a unique celebration of the magnificent achievements of many of our local stars over the past 12 months.

Also among the guests on the night will be representatives of main sponsor Heritage Volkswagen.

The ceremony kicks off with our now-traditional look back at the local sporting year, where we cast our memories back over some of the success stories that hit the headlines.

Then comes the moment of truth, when we reveal the names of the people's champions of 2004.

Invitations have been sent out to special guests and sponsors and, as ever, it looks as though City Hall will be packed to the rafters.

We hope to be able to welcome as many of the nominees as possible on the big night.

The final batch of invitations will be despatched as soon as voting closes at noon on Friday, January 28.

Tickets are only guaranteed to the winners and runners-up in all categories.

No tickets will be on sale to the public, but you can still be there.

All voting forms will be entered into a free draw to win a pair of VIP tickets to the event.

When you send in your vote, remember to include your name, address and daytime telephone number on your form.

You can vote as many times as you like, but all votes must be on the official voting form (printed left). No photocopies will be accepted.