Les Kempster, who has been President of the Sussex County FA since 2012 is also the Chairman of the Mid Sussex Youth and Minor Football League. He has been volunteering in grassroots football since the 1960s. Les is now 94 but there's no stopping him in his efforts, which have already helped thousands of young players to experience the beautiful game.

The BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey Community Heroes Sport Award is awarded to an individual or group who has contributed to local sporting life, either playing a sport or encouraging others to do, such as through acting as a referee, official or coach.

Also shortlisted in the same category, and part of the Sussex football community, is Ben Van Nes from the charity Sussex to Africa.

All finalists are invited to a night of celebration at a special ceremony on Monday 20 November at the Gatwick Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crawley.

Now in its seventh year, the idea of the awards is to recognise unsung heroes from across the county, with entries being sought in a variety of categories. They are designed to reflect everything from good neighbours to sporting achievement.

Mark Carter, Assistant Managing Editor at BBC Sussex, launched the annual awards scheme in 2011 and has overseen them ever since. 

He said: "I can't believe we've reached year seven of our annual awards. The ceremony in November is always a special occasion but just discovering how many amazing people there are doing such great work here in Sussex is a true privilege. I'm always amazed by both the quality and quantity of entries we receive across the various categories."

You can tune into a special programme of highlights on BBC Sussex Radio on Sunday 26 November 4pm till 5pm (repeated on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 6pm till 7pm).

For further information about the BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey Community Heroes Awards please contact the BBC:

BBC
E: heroes@bbc.co.uk