ANOTHER year of sporting achievement is drawing to a close and it’s time for you to decide the Dudley News Sports Personality of 2011.

Over the past few weeks we have been inviting your nominations to help select our shortlist and the results are in.

Now it’s time to cast your votes on our online poll.

Our first nominee is Woodsetton karate world champion Tom Hickman.

The 17-year-old achieved his dream back in October when he took gold in the 76kg junior kumite category in Melaka, Malaysia.

With no sponsorship and no funding, Hickman and his family raised more than £1,000 just to travel out to the Far East through car washes and sponsored runs.

Our second nominee is Tividale FC manager Dean Whitehouse who lead the club to a historic West Midlands League and Cup double.

Tivi racked up 100 points and scored more than 120 goals on route to the title, while playing some eye-catching football.

Under Whitehouse’s guidance, they have also made a strong start to life in the Midland Alliance and have reached the fourth round of this season’s FA Vase.

Contender number three has a somewhat lower profile than the first two but has still had a fantastic year.

Young netball star Caroline Tarnowski has been in fine form for Dudley Leisure Netball Club, culiminating in an invite for trials with the England under-17 squad.

The 16-year-old Windsor high pupil has also been been selected for West Midlands Warriors, which is the under-19 regional team.

Last but by no means least is Dudley Kingswinford RFC star Stefan Shillingford.

The 22-year-old centre recovered from serious injury in 2010 to be leading try scorer, crossing the line 29 times as DK created history by winning all 26 games and promotion from Midlands One West.

With the Heathbrook club now back in the National League Three, Shillingford has continued his fine form and has already notched 13 tries this season.

Voting for this year’s award is open now on our website and polls stay open until midday on January 9. One vote per reader.