SPEED skater Charlotte Gilmartin thanked the backing of the town after being named the Redditch Advertiser’s Sports Personality of the Year for 2015.

Gilmartin won a thrilling online vote and bagged 42 per cent to see off the challenge of BMX starlet Libby Smith, who earned 28 per cent.

Bowler Greg Smith came a close third with 22 per cent, while Andy Robinson and Beth Crumpton earned six and three per cent respectively.

Gilmartin said: “While I am based in Nottingham I always try and get back to Redditch as often as possible.

“The response to the vote was amazing and I know people at home were getting excited and rallying everyone.

“I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me, their support means a lot.”

Charlotte ended 2015 in style with a bronze medal at the World Cup round in Shanghai.

She is ranked second overall after the national championships and has set her sights on more medal success during a busy few months.

She goes to the European Championships in Sochi next week, followed quickly byWorld Cup round in Germany and Holland.

“I knew training had been going well and I felt in very good shape but winning the bronze in Shanghai gives me a huge confidence boost,” said Gilmartin.

“The aim is to win a medal at the Europeans.

“The good thing is we’ve got the full relay squad competing as well so I am hoping to do well.”

Gilmartin picked up a small quad tear at the Star Class event in Nottingham over the weekend but won the 1,500m event.