ONE of the region's most prestigious sporting awards events brought spectacular success for north Hampshire and Reading Football Club.

Reading captain Graeme Murty was named Sports Personality of the Year at the 10th BBC South Awards in the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton.

The Scottish international defender, who lives in Old Basing, led Reading into the Premiership for the first time in their 135-year history - and the club's best-ever season was reflected with two more awards at last Sunday's event.

Steve Coppell was named Manager of the Year and there was a special award for Reading chairman John Madejski.

After being presented with his trophy by former England international and 1966 World Cup hero Alan Ball, Murty was quick to point out in his acceptance speech that Reading's success was a team effort which could not have been achieved without strong leadership within the club.

"I'm absolutely stunned just to be nominated," he told BBC presenters Sally Taylor and Roger Johnson. "But I'm just the focal point of the team and, in the last 18 months, we've just gone from strength to strength."

Receiving his award, Madejski, who has been at the Reading helm for 16 years, said: "I'm shocked to pieces. I'm lost for words, which is unusual for me."

Before an audience of stars who included ex-England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, Southampton FC boss George Burley and international 400 metres star Iwan Thomas, Reading boss Coppell said: "This whole year has been fabulous for us and we just hope it can go on longer."

The Madejski connection continued with Mike Catt of London Irish, who play their games at the Reading stadium, being named the Rugby Player of the Year - and the local success did not end there.

The Young Sportsperson of the Year award went to Hook's national under-15 cross-country champion Charlie Purdue, while Basingstoke Town were among the finalists for the Non-League Team of the Year award and Hook world powerboat P1 champions Jackie Hunt and Mike Shelton were one of three finalists in the Yachtsperson of the Year category.

Olympics hopeful Purdue said: "I was very pleased and surprised to win this award. It is very nice that we youngsters are being recognised for our efforts and I hope it gives others an incentive.

"All being well, I hope to build on my achievements of the last two years on my journey to 2012."

The Aldershot, Farnham and District club member climaxed a successful summer track season by becoming the inaugural UK School Games champion over 3,000m.

Because of her talent, the Farnborough Hill schoolgirl is frequently forced to compete above her age group and has even held her own in a mixed open field.

She said the next big challenge was selection for the world junior cross-country championships next March.

If she gets the nod, this will overcome the recent disappointment of being ruled out of this month's European championships because she is too young.