BURY Amateur Boxing Club had plenty to celebrate at the BBC North West Sports Personality of the Year ceremony at Manchesters Midland Hotel.

Both the club's Olympic lightweight silver medal winner Amir Khan and coach Mike Jelley were on the receiving end of accolades at the prestigious annual event.

Khan topped off a fantastic year by lifting the Judges and the North West Tonight Awards while Jelley, whose father founded the club more than 70 years ago, won the Best Manager/Coach Award.

Khan, who has had a week to remember after turning 18 on Wednesday, has become a national hero after his performances in Athens during the summer.

He was back in the ring for the first time since his Olympic heroics last weekend, in an international tournament against the USA.

And he continued his progress by convincingly defeating his opponent, American champion Michael Evans, on points 35-13 in front of a capacity crowd at Liverpools Olympia.

Khan has hinted he will go professional before the 2008 Olympics but at present is happy to gain more experience on the amateur stage.

"Im taking one step at a time and do intend to go professional at some stage," he said.

"I've had a brilliant year and just not stopped."

His coach Jelley, who has been the main man at the local club for more than 40 years, received his award from former Manchester United boss Tommy Docherty.

He said: "Amir is a great boxer and he now needs to concentrate on his skills and head for the world championship next year.

"I said he would do it in four years, he might do it even sooner, who knows?

"But everyone at our club is special to me but it's been wonderful to see Amir do so well."