THE waiting is finally over. This week we can reveal who is in the running for the annual Journal Sports awards.

From the hundreds of nominations we received the all-important shortlist has been drawn up naming those individuals and clubs you want to see rewarded for their sporting endeavours.

Perennial favourites such as world powerlifting champions Bill West and Lee Steggles, motor racing ace Alan Blencowe, women's rugby union star Emily Cook and Wiltshire cricket captain Russell Rowe have been joined by a host of new faces who made their mark during 2003.

What you now have to decide is who will take away the trophies at our gala presentation ceremony at City Hall on Thursday, February 19.

Voting could not be easier. Once again, you can vote by post, or via our special sports awards hotline. Full details appear below.

Remember every vote counts.

Some of our special 'behind-the-scenes' awards have already been decided based on the information given in your nominations and do not need to be voted on.

These winners will be presented with their honours at City Hall on the night.

A number of awards in which one person dominated the category have also been decided.

Following the England rugby team's World Cup success in Australia, it is clear Journal Sport's readers hold former Salisbury player Richard Hill in high esteem and to mark his role in the famous victory down under, he will receive a special award.

Salisbury City's exploits in the FA Cup also figured prominently in the nominations.

As a result, the Whites are strongly represented in the team of the year category, manager of the year (Nick Holmes), footballer of the year (Scott Bartlett, Kevin Sawyer and Wayne Turk) and sporting venue of the year. Club stalwart Brian Carter has also been nominated in the groundsman category.

But of course, the final decision is up to you.

Voting forms will appear in The Journal over the coming weeks but all votes must be received by noon on Monday, February 9.

Happy voting!