NOMINATIONS are being invited for the next Swindon Citizen Award. The annual round of awards recognises endeavour in six categories ranging from caring for others to environmental work, but the next award will be for sporting achievement.

Last year's winner was Harry Scott, a boxing coach who has been teaching youngsters for more than 30 years. Mr Scott, of Cherbury Walk, Walcot, was nominated by 14-year-old Christian Rees-Bains, one of the students attending the classes run by Mr Scott at the Walcot Boys Club and in the gym at the back of the County Ground Hotel.

The winner of the 2004 sporting achievement award will be announced at a council meeting on January 15 and nominations will be welcomed until a week before .

Swindon mayor Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) said: "In the last two mayoral years we have seen many deserving people receive their citizen awards.

"I hope this will inspire people to put forward somebody deserving of the next citizen award."

Suitable candidates might include people who represent Swindon in some way, improved the way a sport was brought to wider attention or taken time out to coach or teach a sport with great dedication.

To make a nomination, contact the mayor's secretary, Carole Deamer, at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH or e-mail mayor@Swindon.gov.uk.