Sales rewarded for season

David Sales scored over 2,000 runs in the summer of 2007

Northamptonshire captain David Sales has claimed the prestigious title of Northamptonshire's sports personality of the year.

He picked up the trophy from former England football star Peter Shilton at the annual Northamptonshire sports awards ceremony in Kettering.

Other nominees included his team-mate Monty Panesar, swimmer Caitlin McClatchey and trampolinist Jaime Moore.

"It was very nice - but a bit of a surprise," admitted Sales, who scored 2,217 runs in all competitions for Northamptonshire in 2007, which has also been his benefit year.

"Obviously it was special to go up and get the trophy - especially from a legend like Peter Shilton.

"It's been a very good year for me - both with the cricket and my benefit - and I'm very appreciative of all the support I've received.

"Monty won it last year but doesn't seem to have put his name on the trophy. He'll probably expect me to get his name engraved on it as well."

Meanwhile, county team-mate and England Under-19 star Alex Wakely has been nominated for BBC East's young sports personality award.

“Being nominated for the BBC’s young personality award came completely out of the blue and I am flattered that they have thought of me for the award," Wakely said.

"It’s a great boost for me leading into the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.”