A SELECTION of the Island's many unsung sporting heroes — and those who support them — will be honoured at the 49th annual Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards tonight (Thursday).

A ceremony to celebrate the Island’s sports stars will be held at Newport’s Medina Theatre at 7pm.

The ceremony celebrates the Island’s sporting success stories — recognising outstanding achievement or service from sportsmen and women during the 2023 calendar year.

Awards will go to not only sports achievers, but for sportsmanship and to coaches, volunteers and schools which have done most to promote local sport and help their club to develop.

The awards also include nominations for the best sporting primary and secondary schools on the Island in promoting and inspiring physical activity this year.

All were judged by an independent panel.

Those shortlisted have been featured in the County Press the past few weeks.