FINALISTS in the running for a coveted Inverclyde sports prize have been revealed.

Thirty-eight local athletes, clubs and coaches have made the shortlist for the Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Honours are up for grabs in eight categories and the winners will be announced at a glitzy ceremony in Greenock Town Hall on Friday 21 February.

A panel of judges, including Inverclyde-based BBC Scotland sports reporter Keir Murray, the Tele’s Paul John Coulter and awards organisers met this month to choose the winners.

The finalists in the senior personality section are weightlifter Jane Armour, judo champion Jim McKelvie, rugby ace Brendan McGroarty, footballer Robbie Crawford and boxer Frankie Monkhouse.

Bowls pair John Reid and John Fleming are in the running for the junior award alongside weightlifter Aaron Houten, tennis ace Anna Daisley and runner Greg Williams.

Coach of the year contenders are boxing trainer Danny Lee, curler Jim Stables, football coach Willie McPherson, judo expert Robert Sharp and football manager Steven Mooney.

Port Glasgow Otters, Wellington Park Bowling Club, Inverclyde Athletics Club, Waterfront Junior Curling Club and Waterfront Ice Skating Club are all shortlisted for the team of the year prize.

Ardgowan Primary Athletics Team, Clydeview Academy curlers and St Columba’s School Kilmacolm rugby 7s are in contention for the best school team accolade.

The Rona Boag Service to Sport award contenders are curler Jim Stables, runner Gerry Gaffney, football manager Willie McPherson, Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club president Paul Grant and badminton stalwart James Owens.

In the lifetime achievement category, football legend Allan McGraw, weightlifter George Byng, jiu-jitsu expert John Black, Morton chairman Douglas Rae and table tennis veteran Bobby Thomson have made the shortlist.

The final five in the disabled personality section are judo star Siobhan Crumlish, footballers Thomas Moodie and Scott Cuffe and swimmers Isaac Dunning and Kyle Brotherton.

Judge Keir Murray said: “The quality of the candidates who made the shortlist is impressive.

“It’s also fantastic to see so many local athletes making their mark on the national stage.” Tickets for the awards ceremony, which includes a three-course meal and entertainment, are available by calling 558981 or 783000.