South West Communications Group has extended its sponsorship of sport in the Exeter area by backing the Express & Echo’s inaugural Sports Awards.

The Exeter telephone system, data centre services and data networks experts already support a range of sports clubs in the city being the main, 1st team and community sponsor of Exeter Chiefs, as well as backing Withycombe RFC, University of Exeter’s 1st XV and Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club.

South West Communications Group has agreed to sponsor the Express & Echo’s Team of the Year award.

The Sports Awards 2012, held in association with the Exeter Foundation, will be presented by former 1,500m champion Steve Cram MBE at a gala evening at Sandy Park on Thursday, January 19. The event will celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations that contribute to the region's sporting talent.

As well as categories for professional teams, the awards will also recognise unsung heroes who give up their time to work at the grassroots level. Teachers, coaches, young stars and disabled sportspeople will also come under the spotlight.

Harry Langley, South West Communications Group’s managing director, said: “As sponsors of several teams in this region, we have seen the huge effort that goes into making a team work to create both the success and enjoyment that sport can bring. We encourage people to make their nominations and look forward to the awards presentation night in January.”

Nominations can be made at www.exetersportsawards.co.uk