THE Salisbury Journal Sports Awards was glittered with sporting talent on Friday night as it returned with a bang.

Women slipped on their posh frocks and men wore their black-tie suits at the Ray Mac to mark the first event in 10 years.

Some 15 different awards were presented to a whole host of winners, with three finalists in each category.

It was a super night for City of Salisbury Running Club, whose athletes swooped four awards.

Female Sports Personality went to runner Alex Mundell while Male Sports Personality was won by Richard West.

South Wilts CC captain James Hayward was voted Sports Personality of the Year.

Former Olympic runner Iwan Thomas hosted the event, sharing an insightful story of his medal-winning career to hundreds of guests in the luxury marquee.

He was among fellow athletes including FA Cup winner Nick Holmes and his son Matt, who is a coach at Salisbury, England netball star Mia Ritchie and lacrosse international Ruby Smith, a former Godolphin School pupil.

There were also top prizes won in a raffle, including a signed shirt from Southampton and Chelsea legend Peter Osgood.

The night was run in partnership with Salisbury FC.

Editor and publisher of the Journal, Bill Browne, says he’s thrilled the hard work came to fruition and hopes the event will be back next year.

“The Ray Mac has seen highs and lows over recent years, so it was a delight to be partners with Salisbury Football Club in hosting this event,” he said.

“The club, which is now back riding high, was gracious enough to provide both the ground and step back from entering the main awards to ensure there was fairness all round. And this was a night that had everything.

“The inspiring speech from Iwan Thomas set the evening up so well. No one could fail to be moved by the efforts he put into achieving first an Olympic silver medal but then going on to gain first place in the European Championships in Budapest.

“Then to hear about our own home-grown successes in Salisbury and south Wiltshire was wonderful. We have to thank our sports readers for making the many nominations, which were in the hundreds, and then the panel of judges who had to prepare first a shortlist and then come up with the winners.

“I was delighted to see so many local sportsmen and women, together with their families and supporters, at the dinner. It made for a wonderful atmosphere, and be sure we’ll be looking to do this once more.”

Afterwards, candidates partied in The Chapel Nightclub, who was the speaker’s sponsor.