SPORTS stars and a host of famous faces packed out Greenock Town Hall to honour the area’s top athletes.

The annual Inverclyde Sports Personality of the Year Awards were held on Friday night with eight prizes handed out to the district’s best competitors, clubs and coaches for their outstanding achievements during the last 12 months.

There was also an exceptional Sporting Legend Award presented to Morton legend Allan McGraw, who was given a moving, standing ovation from a crowd of distinguished guests.

The Ton’s record-breaking striker and former manager was the inaugural winner of the accolade, given in recognition of his service at Cappielow. The modest 74-year-old was stunned when his name was read out and looked humbled as he received his prize from former Scotland national team boss and guest speaker for the evening, Craig Brown CBE.

Speaking after picking up the gong, ‘Quickdraw’ told the Tele: “I don’t know if it’s deserved, but I’m shocked and honoured.

“I’ve got to thank the people of Inverclyde because a lot of people say I did a lot for them but they’ve done more for me than I’ve ever done for them — they’ve been great towards me.” There were also prizes for Inverclyde Athletic Club runner Greg Williams in the junior category, curling veteran Jim Stables for service to sport, and swimmer Isaac Dunning from Port Glasgow Otters, who was named disabled personality of the year.

The Senior Personality honour was given to British Masters judo champion Jim McKelvie, from Boglestone Judo Club.

Jim, 57, was overwhelmed to win in a category which included Rangers star Robbie Crawford and professional boxer Frankie Monkhouse.

He said: “It’s a really hard competition and I thought that the calibre of candidates was really high — I’m surprised to win. This is a fantastic achievement for me — it must have been the judges just pitying the old guy!

“Seriously though, still being able to compete at this age is great.” The other award winners were Clydeview Academy’s curling team, jiu jitsu expert John Black, boxing coach Danny Lee and Inverclyde AC.

More than 200 guests filled Greenock Town Hall for a sumptuous three-course meal followed by entertainment from the wonderful Greenock and Kilmacolm Rock Choirs and an inspirational talk by vice-chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Dr Fiona McEwan.

Craig Brown took to the stage to offer some words of wisdom and inspiration from his glittering 50-year career — and lavished praise on the council for investing £27 million in Inverclyde’s sports facilities.

The event was hosted by Greenock catwalk queen Nicola Creen, who stepped in at the last minute to fill in for Jean Johansson, who had taken ill.

See today's Tele for full pictures.