AN AWARDS ceremony which will recognise the work of volunteers in grassroots sport events, activities and coached sessions in Newport, will take place in the Newport Hilton on January 24.

Olympic athlete and current Newport resident Darren Campbell will present the awards.

The ceremony is the first of its kind in the city and is seeking to recognise the volunteer work that the people of Newport have undertaken to help grassroots sport in some of the most deprived communities in the area.

The event has been organised by the Newport City Council Community Sports Development team, which works with volunteers in Newport to help sport thrive in the community.

The excellent work undertaken by the Community Sports Development team could not be achieved without the tireless help of the many volunteers who take part in regular sporting sessions across Newport.

The awards will range from under-18 community sports development volunteer of the year to the outstanding voluntary contribution to sports in the year.

Councillor Ron Jones, cabinet member for culture and sport, said: "It is only right that these volunteers are recognised for their tireless efforts in making sports work in our community.

"The volunteers work in some of the most deprived wards in Wales and establishing and maintaining sports clubs is important for the people of our communities.

"I wish the event all the success that it deserves."

The awards are sponsored by - CSG UK (Chartered Security Group PLC) and Inter-haul pallet services Ltd.