THERE was double joy for world champion indoor bowler Claire Spreadbury as she scooped two of the top honours at The Gazette Sports Awards 2003.

On Friday night, the teenage sensation followed in the footsteps of Hampshire cricketer Shaun Udal, rhythmic gymnast Caroline Jackson and Basingstoke Bison duo Wayne Crawford and Stephen Foster when she received The Gazette Sports Personality of the Year award.

Spreadbury was presented with the glass trophy by Gazette editor Mark Jones at the Apollo Hotel after topping our readers' poll.

The Gazette Sports Personality of the Year was the last of eight top honours to be awarded during the evening and the result saw Spreadbury make her second trip to the winner's rostrum. Earlier in the evening, the 16-year-old had won the Junior Ladies crown.

Reacting to her success in the readers' poll, the delighted Kempshott-based bowls champion said: "I am totally shocked to win when you consider all the sporting talent in this room. I would just like to thank all of The Gazette readers who voted for me."

Spreadbury's proud mother, Sally, and father, Phil, were there to witness another great night for their daughter. Phil said: "I just can't believe it. It's a great way to finish the year."

The year 2003 was definitely one to remember for Spreadbury.

During the 12 months, the teenager reached the semi-finals of the under-25 English Ladies Indoor Championship, shook the bowls world by winning the under-25 World Championships at Grainville in Jersey, and won the BBC South Young Sportswoman of the Year award. She completed the year with a call-up to the England under-25 team.

Before he presented the trophy, Mr Jones paid tribute to everyone involved in the organisation of the sports awards and also thanked the many sponsors whose support is crucial to the success of the event.

Referring to The Gazette's Basingstoke - A Place To Be Proud Of campaign, Mr Jones told the audience that sporting excellence is one of the many reasons why Basingstoke is a great town and a great borough.

He added: "The Gazette is delighted to be the main sponsor of the sports awards. The event gets better and better every year."

The audience was treated to a superb three-course meal by the Apollo Hotel as part of its major role as the host of the prestigious awards, which are the highlight of the Basingstoke sporting calendar.

This year, the event was graced by two guest speakers - Basingstoke RFC player/coach Ian Calder and Basingstoke Buffalo coach Ed Campbell, who also scooped one of the awards.