Fatima: Take up the baton
	11:30am Fri 22 Feb 08
	WORLD javelin champion Fatima Whitbread believes the Echo Sports Personality of the Year awards will inspire south Essex youngsters to swap their games consoles for running shoes.

	Junior winner: James Shane
	10:27am Fri 22 Feb 08
	HAVING reigned in Europe three years ago, James Shane hopes to rule the world in 2008.

	Sport for all at Echo's first awards
	10:01am Fri 22 Feb 08
	FROM in-line skating to judo, a whole host of different sports were represented at the awards.

	Team of the year: Southend Rugby Club
	10:00am Fri 22 Feb 08
	SOUTHEND Rugby Club continued their string of successes by being named the Echo's Team of the Year.

	Inspiration for youngsters
	10:00am Fri 22 Feb 08
	BLUES boss Steve Tilson was among the star guests on the night and he was chuffed to see the area's youngsters picking up prizes.

	Lifetime Achievement: Alf Bilby
	10:00am Fri 22 Feb 08
	ALF Bilby was easily the most shocked winner of the night after being awarded the Sky Bar award for his lifetime achievements in the area.
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Football salutes awards

10:00am Friday 22nd February 2008

THE world of non-league football was fully represented on the night with a large party from Great Wakering Rovers leading the way.

	Sports Personality Winner: Michael Kightly
	10:00am Fri 22 Feb 08
	MICHAEL Kightly was overjoyed at being crowned the Echo's Sports Personality of the Year.

Home is where Bill's heart is

10:00am Friday 22nd February 2008

AFTER spending much of the year jet-setting round the world in search of golfing glory, Bill Longmuir admitted it was great to be back home.

	Bingo applauds outstanding do
	10:00am Fri 22 Feb 08
	BASILDON snooker professional Stuart Bingham presented the young personality award to new town athlete James Shane and admitted: "I just wish there had been something like this when I was an up-and-coming youngster."

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