FORMER Saints starlet Theo Walcott was last night named the BBC Sports Young Personality of the Year.

The 17-year-old England international was not at the star-studded event in Birmingham - instead, he received his award from Arsenal colleague Thierry Henry at a pre-recorded ceremony at the Gunners' training ground.

Earlier in the day Walcott had been an unused sub for Arsenal's 1-1 Premiership draw at Chelsea.

Equestrian star Zara Phillips was delighted to create a slice of sporting history by following in the footsteps of her mother, the Princess Royal, in winning the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year.

Phillips polled 32.5% of the 680,000 votes cast to finish ahead of runner-up, Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke, and third-placed gymnast Beth Tweddle.

It meant the 25-year-old world champion and the Princess Royal, who triumphed in 1971, became the first members of the same family to win the top prize.

The Overseas Personality Of The Year award was decided by the votes of the studio audience and they chose tennis star Roger Federer who has won four successive Wimbledon singles titles.

St Helens Rugby League side had double reason to celebrate with winning the Team Of The Year award while Saints supremo, Daniel Anderson, was chosen as Coach Of The Year as a result of their treble trophy triumph.

Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the sport.

The Helen Rollason award for courage and achievement went to snooker player Paul Hunter who died in October at the age of 27 after losing his battle against cancer.