BRITISH badminton star Gail Emms will be the guest speaker at next month’s East Hampshire Sports Awards.

Former world champion Emms won a silver medal in the mixed doubles with Nathan Robertson at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, and since retiring she has become a motivational speaker.

The annual awards at Old Thorns Hotel, near Liphook, which will be on March 26, are run by East Hampshire District Council and hosted by three-time Olympic medal-winning athlete Roger Black.

Emms said: “I am so excited to be part of the East Hampshire Sports Awards this year. Sport is such an important part of our lives and our achievements, at any level, should be celebrated.”

Nominations are open for the 12 junior, senior and team categories until February 28. To nominate, visit easthants.gov.uk/sports-awards.