THE search is on to find BBC Midlands Sports' Unsung Hero for 2005 with the winner, nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of judges, picking up the coveted accolade at the BBC Midlands Sports Awards glittering ceremony on Sunday, December 4.

BBC West Midlands is looking for people who give up their time on a voluntary basis to ensure someone else gets the chance to take part in the sport they love.

Whether it's washing the kit, making the sandwiches, providing transport or the actual coaching, the BBC is asking the public to nominate their Unsung Heroes.

To qualify, nominees must have given up their time to enable others to participate in sport; this can be helping out an individual, team or teams, in any sport, at any level. They must also be over 16 years of age and give their time freely, for no financial gain.

To put forward a candidate, a form needs to be collected from a local BBC building reception desk or downloaded from the BBC Where I Live website, completed and returned by next Friday to Julie Hale, BBC Midlands Sports Awards, Sports Unsung Hero, BBC Birmingham, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF.

Nominees must have been informed of their nomination and given their consent.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum.

All 14 regional winners will be invited to the BBC Sports Review of the Year show Sunday, December 11 when an overall winner will be announced.