DROITWICH-based England cricket star Ashley Giles has capped a remarkable year by being awarded the accolade of BBC Midlands Sports Personality of the year.

The Warwickshire bowler scooped three top awards in all at Sunday's BBC Midlands Sports Awards 2005 ceremony held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull.

It was also a night of triumph for Worcester Rugby club's female star Kim Shaylor who jointly won the BBC Local Radio Breakthrough Award, chosen by local BBC radio stations.

The Ashes hero was named Midlands Sports Personality of the Year, as well as claiming the Sportsman of the Year award and World Beaters honour with Warwickshire and England team mate Ian Bell.

Ashley, who helped England triumph over the Aussies in the summer's historic Ashes series, topped the voting by BBC Midlands Today's viewers.

More than 300 guests, including dozens of top Midlands personalities, were present at the event hosted by Nick Owen.

Kim Shaylor arrived from virtually nowhere to establish herself as a regular member of the Women's England Rugby team and has also deputised as captain of her country when she has been called upon.

Highlights of the BBC Midlands Sports Awards 2005 ceremony can be seen every day this week on BBC Midlands Today, BBC1 at 6.30pm.