THE future of a prestigious annual sports awards ceremony has been secured after new sponsors stepped forward.

The Colchester Sports Personality Awards recognise the achievements of the borough's amateur sportsmen and women and were first made over three decades ago.

However, two of the main sponsors had to end their long partnership and that plunged the future of the awards into doubt, as reported in the Gazette in June.

Now, two new sponsors - Inntel and the Duley Partnership - have been appointed as lead sponsors, alongside media partner the Gazette.

John Powell, chairman of the sports awards organising committee, said: "We're absolutely delighted for this support from two highly-respected organisations and very grateful.

"It will enable us to continue organising the event for the foreseeable future.

"Our prestigious event is totally dependent on funding from the local business community, without which it wouldn't be possible to organise in its current format.

"That would be highly unfortunate, given that it's now recognised as one of the best awards ceremonies in Essex.

"To know these two organisations, along with the Gazette, have offered their support, guaranteeing our future, is very reassuring and a tribute to the strength of sport in the borough."

Inntel are meetings, accommodation, events and travel management experts while the Duley Practice are the local partner practice of St James Place Wealth Management.

Inntel chief executive Douglas O’Neill said: "It’s an honour to be able to support such a prestigious award.

"As a company, we're always seeking to recognise and give opportunity to local talent through employment and work-based prospects, so it’s fantastic to be able to acknowledge and celebrate the sporting endeavours of those in our local community too."

Andrew Duley, representing the Duley Practice, added: “We're delighted to be supporting the awards as a lead sponsor.

"Sport has played an extremely important part in my life and that of my family and I'm keen to ensure the success of our family business enables us to support sport in Colchester as much as we can.

"Sport, both for individuals and teams, has the ability to bring out the very best in people of all ages, providing lessons for later life and, of course, work.

"I love the fact I can walk through town or have a business meeting and always bump into an ex-footballer or cricketer that was part of my past.

"I have three daughters that are all representing various school teams and it's incredible to watch their talent blossom and confidence grow.

"I really look forward to being involved with the awards for many years to come.’’ Sport Colchester has been in existence for half a century and is an independent, non-profit making forum for sporting organisations in the borough of Colchester.

Its key function is the organisation of the awards ceremony, which celebrates outstanding achievements of Colchester’s amateur sporting community and will this year take place at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Monday, November 20.

Details of the awards categories and the process for nominating candidates will be published in the Gazette and online in early September.