Jamie Carragher collected probably his last football award last night - and it was a prestigious one.

The recently retired Liverpool FC defender collected the Premier League Player of the Year title at the North West Football Awards.

The award is voted for by the fans and Carragher was at Lancashire Cricket Club's Point Conference Centre to receive the accolade.

Carragher, now a successful Sky TV pundit, saw off competition from Everton left-back, Leighton Baines, Manchester United's England midfielder Michael Carrick and City defender Pablo Zabaleta.

It's the second consecutive season this particular award has gone to Anfield after Martin Skrtel's success at the 2012 Awards night.

Anfield starlet Jerome Sinclair, who made his senior debut in the Capital One Cup at West Bromwich Albion last season, was named Rising Star of the Year, while there were also strong Anfield links to two of the other individual awards.

Former Red John Welsh, now at Preston, won the League One Player of the Year award while Bolton's Jay Spearing, who spent last season on loan at the Reebok before sealing a permanent move from Anfield, was the Championship's Player of the Year.

Everton, whose VIP guests included manager Roberto Martinez and Sir Philip Carter, were also honoured.

Indeed, it was a magical night for Toni Duggan, who became the Women's Player of the Year recipient, while the Goodison Park club's community department was rewarded for its hard work with two notable honours.

The Blues collected the Community Club of the Year award and jointly received the Community Initiative of the Year award with Bolton.

The Toffees were also honoured for Best Marketing Campaign, while the Reds received the CSR Campaign of the Year award and Best Club Sponsorship Engagement/Partnership.

Joining the Award winners were a family whose name is synonymous with sport in the North West - the Nevilles.

Brothers Phil and Gary spent their entire playing career in the Premier League with Manchester United and then in Phil's case, at Everton.

Phil is now on United's coaching staff; Gary combines his role as a successful TV pundit with his job on the England coaching staff. Mum Jill has also given sterling service to the game as company secretary at Bury for more than 20 years and who, in 2012, was granted the freedom of Bury for her loyal service.

The Northwest Football Awards, managed by Journey9, was hosted by BBC Television's Football Focus presenter, Dan Walker, and broadcast live for the first time on BBC Radio Lancashire, BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Merseyside.

Source: Liverpool Echo