Formula One star Lewis Hamilton arrives as the favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award

British tennis favourite Tim Henman is among the first major sporting figures to arrive at the Birmingham NEC for the event

Recently-retired England rugby union hero Jason Robinson is the first of the 10 shortlisted candidates to appear

Charismatic former cricket referee Dickie Bird is also among those attending the showpiece ceremony

World light welterweight boxing champion Junior Witter arrives proudly displaying his WBC title belt

Darts legend Phil "The Power" Taylor greets former Sports Personality winner Sir Steve Redgrave

Last year's winner Zara Phillips attends with her boyfriend, England rugby union international Mike Tindall

Brian Ashton is a contender for the Coach of the Year gong having led England to the final of the Rugby Union World Cup

The award goes to boxing trainer Enzo Calzaghe in recognition of his superb work with Wales' top fighters - including son Joe

Calzaghe salutes his son (right), who watches from Las Vegas where he has been supporting fellow boxer Ricky Hatton

Jonny Wilkinson, the 2003 winner, looks on as co-presenter Gary Lineker speaks to South African rugby ace Bryan Habana

Lineker and fellow presenter Sue Barker welcome Ashton's England side, who are crowned the team of the year

Margaret Simons, the 85-year-old founder of Bardwell Football Club, wins the Unsung Hero of the Year Award

Sir Bobby Robson receives a standing ovation when he enters the stage to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award

The former England manager, 74, is presented with the award by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius receives the Helen Rollason Award for achievement in the face of adversity

Hamilton finishes second in the public vote with Hatton third - hours after his loss to American superstar Floyd Mayweather

The public crown undisputed world super middleweight champion Calzaghe the BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Awards for both Calzaghe and the still highly-regarded Hatton underline their contribution to a boom period for British boxing

For Calzaghe, the trophy is recognition of his achievements and a fitting end to his 10th year as a world champion