Ryan Giggs beats Button to Sports Personality of Year

One of the least garrulous men in football, known for his skill first and his personality second, was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year last night, beating the favourite Jenson Button into second place. Ryan Giggs, the Manchester United playmaker who can still turn on the magic at the grand old age of 36, surprised the pundits - and himself - by getting the lion's share of the public vote.

"I grew up watching this programme," said Giggs, the first footballer to claim the trophy since England midfielder David Beckham in 2001. "To see the people that have won it and to be here is unbelievable."

The winner is chosen by the public by phone from a shortlist of 10. Giggs received 29.4 per cent of the vote (151,842 votes) ahead of Formula One champion Button and heptathlete Jessica Ennis in third place.

Well known to be a favourite of his manager Alex Ferguson, the Cardiff-born player is the most decorated man in English football, having won a record 11th Premier League winner's medal earlier this year.

He told the Sheffield Arena audience: "I am playing for the greatest manager that has ever lived and I'm playing for the greatest club. Perhaps I've become more appreciated as I have got older.

"It's unusual for a 36-year-old to be playing with a team like Manchester United for 20 years but I am enjoying it and long may it continue."

It cannot go on forever, of course, but his extraordinary career is not over yet. Ferguson revealed on Friday that Giggs has been offered a new contract for next season.

Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros - watching from home where he is still recovering from a series of operations for a brain tumour - was honoured with a lifetime achievement award and comedian Eddie Izzard was handed a special award for finishing his 43rd marathon in 51 days in aid of Sports Relief. ·