MAX Whitlock’s coach Scott Hann has urged the people of south-Essex to back the all-conquering gymnast in Sunday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Award evening.

Basildon based Whitlock, who trains at the South Essex Gymnastics Club, has made it onto a shortlist of 10 for the top prize after enjoying an incredibly successful 2014 season.

And Hann believes the 21-year-old would be a worthy winner.

“Max has had a fantastic 2014 season and fully deserves this recognition,” said Hann.

“He’s up against some huge names in the world of sport but after the year he’s had he deserves to finish high up in the voting.

“Winning a silver medal at the World Championships in the all around final was the pinnacle of Max’s year but his success at the Commonwealth Games was also a huge highlight.

“You can’t also forget about how well he did at the European Championships so it’s certainly been a busy year and it would be great if the people from our area could all vote for Max on the night.”

Whitlock won gold and silver at the Europeans before taking centre stage at the Commonwealths in Glasgow where he claimed three golds, a silver and a bronze.

Sunday’s awards evening will also be held at the Hydro, where Whitlock shone at the Commonwealth Games.

And Hann believes Whitlock’s personality also deserves to be recognised.

“Max is an amazing role model for gymnastics and for sport in general,” said Hann.

“He is always giving back to the public and has a great personality.

“He goes out of his way to inspire the next generation and I’m sure plenty of youngsters will be taking up gymnastics because of what he’s done.

“I hope he gets plenty of votes on Sunday now but whatever happens I’ll be very proud of him.”

Voting for the award will start on Sunday and can be done either by phone or online.

However, to vote online you must register on the BBC website.