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Overall winner: Andrew 'Freddy' Flintoff

BBC North West Sports Awards

The Lancashire all-rounder had an outstanding year but was unable to collect the award at a glittering ceremony in Manchester on Monday night because he's in South Africa. He recorded a message receiving the award in his hotel room before jetting out to join his teammates.

Flintoff - whose nickname is Freddy - was the star for England this summer with both bat and ball and is rapidly earning a reputation as the best player in the world.

Amir Khan, North West Tonight Award

The BBC GMR - Manchester Evening News award went to the Bolton Wanderers player Stelios Giannakopolis who won Euro 2004 with Greece.

It was a good night for Bolton who won Team of the Year. Manager Sam Allardyce was there to collect the award from Everton manager David Moyes.

Wayne Rooney was Footballer of the Year; Andy Farrell was the top Rugby Player and there was recognition for the region's Olympic achievements.

The Awards dinner at the Midland Hotel

Gold medal cyclist Bradley Wiggins won Best Olympic Achievement; Amir Khan won the North West Tonight award and his coach Michael Jelly was manager of the year. Rugby League legend Alex Murphy was inducted into the hall of fame.

The Paralympic award went to swimmer Sasha Kindred. The Unsung Hero award went to Liverpool coach Jean Arnold.