THE future of a prestigious annual sports awards ceremony could be in doubt, due to a lack of sponsorship.

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, Colchester Institute and the University of Essex, two of the main sponsors, have been forced to end their long partnership due to financial constraints.

And John Powell, chairman of organisers Sport Colchester, admitted the development represents a "challenge to continue".

He said: "We'd like to record our grateful appreciation to the organisations for their support across several years, which has helped us grow the event to its current level.

"They've been great and very good to us over the years but all good things come to an end.

"We fully understand that in the current financial climate it's not possible to continue their generosity.

"This now provides a challenge for us to continue with this annual event, which is totally dependent on funding from the local business community and which is organised by a small team of volunteers.

"Without that funding, it won't be possible to organise such a prestigious event in its current format, which would be very unfortunate, given that it's now recognised as one of the best in Essex.

"We have sufficient funds for this year’s event not to be in jeopardy but for it to continue long-term we need to find two new sponsors, hopefully starting this year."

Powell and his Sport Colchester committee - a voluntary forum for the promotion of sport in the borough - are now keen to hear from other businesses that might be interested in stepping forward as one of the sponsors of the event, which culminates with a glittering ceremony at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in November.

"There's now an opportunity to take over the baton," added Powell.

"We're looking for interested parties to commit for three years at a sponsorship fee of £650 per annum, which includes sponsorship of one of the awards."

For more information, contact Norman Smith via email nsmith@huruk.co.uk