JOHN Coleman was last night crowned Lancashire's Sports Personality of the Year.

The Accrington Stanley manager beat off competition from reigning Superbike world champion Neil Hodgson, and England cricket star Andrew Flintoff to land the prestigious BBC award.

Coleman, who is hoping to take Stanley into the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history this weekend, said: "This is the happiest moment of my football career.

"To win the award ahead of the likes of Hodgson and Flintoff is a dream.

"The trophy might have my name on it, but it belongs to Accrington, and I'll be keeping it at the club."

Stanley chairman Eric Whalley, who was also at the BBC North West Sports Personality of the Year awards in Manchester, said: "I'm so proud of John, and it reflects his achievements at the club.

"And it's so good for the town of Accrington."

Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell added: "John is a great manager, and a great person to work alongside. He deserves it."

The award was voted for by listeners of BBC Radio Lancashire.

Lancashire also scooped the main award of the night, with Andrew Flintoff beating off Ruud van Nistelrooy and Neil Hodgson to land the North West Sports Personality of the Year award.