Lancashire batsman Paul Horton was last night named the BBC North West Sports Awards Newcomer for 2007.

In this prestigious category, Horton was up against Swimmer Michael Rock and Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson.

But Horton's success was almost a repeat of the 2006 Awards, when seamer Tom Smith picked up the same award for his fantastic debut season.

Cricket Manager Mike Watkinson said: "It's a great honour for Lancashire to have two of its own players named as the Emerging Talent of the Year, particularly when you consider the massive amount of top quality sport played in the North West."