PAULA Radcliffe picked up the first of what is expected to be a long list of honours when she was named BBC North West Sports Personality.

In a glittering ceremony at Bolton's De Vere Whites Hotel last night, the Commonwealth Games 10,000m gold medal winner and women's marathon world record holder was also named BBC North West Sportswoman of the Year.

The Cheshire born athlete, who started her career with Frodsham Harriers, was not able to attend the event but, in a live telephone link with presenter Gordon Burns, paid tribute to all those who had helped her in what has turned out to be a golden year.

"Without the help of a lot of people over the years I would not have achieved the success I have had and I dedicate this award to them," she said.

The Sportsman of the Year was Great Britain rugby league international Paul Sculthorpe, who helped St Helens to this year's Grand Final win.

Blackburn Rovers took the main footballing honours with USA World Cup goalkeeper Brad Friedel named player of the year and Graeme Souness manager of the year.

There was also a special award from the judges for Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who despite undergoing heart surgery earlier this year, returned to keep the Anfield club at the pinnacle of English football.

BBC local radio stations and viewers of North West Tonight also voted for a series of awards.

Manchester City was voted BBC GMR's team of the year, while exciting Everton teenage starlet Wayne Rooney received his first major award when he was named Radio Merseyside player of the year.

The region also paid tribute to Lancashire's Neil Fairbrother, who retired from county cricket at the end of the season after amassing 30,000 runs in a career highlighted by his England international appearances. He was honoured by a special Achievement in Sport award.