Sports Personality of the Year: Lewis Hamilton wins award in Glasgow

Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2014.

After a gap of six years, the Hertfordshire-born Hamilton regained the Formula 1 world title, edging out his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in a battle that went all the way down to the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

The 29-year-old won 11 of the 19 races and he was presented with his award by retired rugby player Jonny Wilkinson.

An overjoyed Hamilton said: "I am so speechless. Firstly, I really want to say a huge congratulations to all the champions. I'm so proud and honoured to be among so much British sporting talent.

"A massive thank you to all the people that called in, I really was not expecting it because dude (McIlroy), you had such an incredible year.

"Tonight has been a huge reminder of just how many great sportsmen we have here. I never thought I would be up here standing with the greats. It's just a dream."

In second spot was golfer Rory McIlory who, during a momentous year, won two Major titles – The Open Championship at Hoylake and PGA Championship in Kentucky.

The Northern Irishman was also part of the European team that successfully defended the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September.

The 25-year-old ended the season as world No 1, having also topped the European Order of Merit during an incredible 2014.

Third place went to athlete and mother Jo Pavey who, at the age of 41, collected her first major gold medal by winning the 10,000m at the European Championships in Zurich.

Cristiano Ronaldo received the Overseas Sportsperson of the Year Award from his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale who was also part of the La Liga side that lifted the Champions League trophy in May.

England women’s rugby union team, which triumphed at the World Cup in France where they beat Canada in the Paris final during August, collected the Team of the Year Award.

Young Sports Personality of the Year is gymnast Claudia Fragapane who won four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

The 16-year-old from Bristol collected her prize at Glasgow’s Hydro, the same venue where she performed with such aplomb wearing England colours during the summer.

Coach of the Year went to Paul McGinley who masterminded Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph in Scotland.

The Helen Rollason Award went en bloc to the competitors of this year’s inaugural Invictus Games, held in London.

This international event was introduced for injured, wounded and sick servicemen and women around the globe.

Jill Stidever was recognised for her work with children who have special needs. The 77-year-old from Leicestershire was presented with the Get Inspired Unsung Hero Award having spent more than three-quarters of her life teaching thousands of children to swim.

In addition to her time coaching in the water, Stidever also helps to raise funds and devotes around 40 hours a week to the cause.

And Scottish cyclist Sir Chris Hoy was emotional as he picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award from Prince Harry.