Hundreds of sporting stars, coaches and volunteers attended the Northamptonshire Sports Awards at Kettering Conference Centre on Thursday, where Corby gymnast Daniel Keatings, 18, was awarded Sports Personality of the Year.

And although the 18-year old Olympian was unable to attend, he sent a video acceptance speech back to his home county from the European Championships in Iceland.

The night was hosted by former Olympic track athlete David Moorcroft who said the county had a huge responsibility in the run up to the 2012 games in London.

He said: "Even though we won't be able to out do Beijing's effort in the Olympics we can offer a different kind of games where the whole country is involved. We want to celebrate not only the country's
sporting success but also the cultural element too.

"There will be people here tonight who will be taking part in the games in four years, whether competing, volunteering or supporting the British team."