Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff [ Images ] became the first cricketer in 24 years to be voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year on Sunday.

The all-rounder had been favourite to win the award after his exploits in the five-Test series against Australia [ Images ] helped England [ Images ] seal their first Ashes triumph in almost two decades.

• Ashes 2005: Complete coverage

After receiving the award in Lahore [ Images ] from Ian Botham, the last cricketer to win the accolade, a bleary-eyed Flintoff told the audience via a live satellite link: "To receive it from Ian makes it all the more sweeter as he was my hero.

"Being involved in the Ashes this summer was a great thrill. To play in them was one thing but to be involved in a side which beat the Australians in England and the way in which the public got behind us was great," added Flintoff, who is due to play a one-day match against Pakistan on Monday morning.

Flintoff took 24 wickets and scored 402 runs during the Ashes series. England captured the team of the year prize for their 2-1 Test win against the world champions.

Australian leg spinner Shane Warne [ Images ], who took 40 wickets during the series despite ending up on the losing side, was named overseas personality of the year.

Other Awards:

Young Personality of the Year: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Athletics)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Pele (soccer)

Coach of the Year: Jose Mourinho (soccer, Chelsea [ Images ])