SOUTH Essex Gymnastics Club’s head coach Scott Hann has called on the local sporting public to back Max Whitlock in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards this weekend.

Whitlock, who is coached by Hann at the Basildon venue, made history when becoming Great Britain’s first male gymnast to win World Championship gold back in October.

But Hann believes it is the work Whitlock does away from competing which should see him attract a number of votes.

“Max is a fantastic role model and helps to inspire thousands and thousands of youngsters,” said Hann.

“Nothing is ever too much trouble for him and he’s a fantastic ambassador for the sport.

“That’s why I think he deserves to have people voting for him as sports personality of the year.”

Whitlock will be challenging the likes of Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton, Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah and Chris Froome for the title in Belfast on Sunday.

But Hann is delighted to see Whitlock make the final list of 12 athletes for the second year in succession.

“It’s great and we’re all very proud of everything Max has achieved,” said Hann.

“He’s had another great year and made history by becoming Britain’s first male gymnast to win world championship gold.

“However, it’s been far from straightforward for him because he had glandular fever at the start of the year which really set him back.

“He was also ill before the World Championships as well which was far from ideal but he was able to overcome that all brilliantly to win more medals.

“It’s been a great year we’re already working towards the next one now.”