BBC Sports Personality of the Year coming to Yorkshire

The event will be broadcast live from the newly-built Leeds First Direct Arena in front of a 12,000 capacity crowd on Sunday Decemebr 15.

Leeds was chosen due to its proud sporting heritage. Last year the event was held in London.

It is set to boost the tourism industry, bringing in thousands of sports fans and the sports stars themselves.

Presenter Gary Lineker said: “Leeds is one of the great cities of the country. When you get the people there who really want to be there - the supporters, the sports fans - it just adds to the atmosphere and I’m sure it will be the same in Leeds.”

Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport has described Leeds’ sporting heritage as ‘outstanding.’

She added: “The sporting heritage of the city is second to none and this new arena is an ideal location from which to celebrate the figures who have shaped sport over the year.”

The news was welcomed by the Dewsbury-born Brownlee brothers, whose profile raised during the medal-winning performances in the triathlon at the London 2012 Olympics.

Last years Sports Personality of the Year award went to cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins.

Paddy Power have already favourited retiring Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to win with 11/10 odds.