OTTIS Gibson, who had already won the Professional Cricketers' Association award, was last night named Northern Rock Player of the Year at Durham's end of season dinner at the Newcastle Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel.

As Gibson is away coaching the England bowlers during the one-day series in Sri Lanka, he recorded a video message for guests to enjoy.

The 38-year-old Barbadian, whose 80 championship wickets were 11 more than the previous Durham record, was also named Bowler of the Year, and took the SG Petch Players' Player of the Year Award.

Gibson also received a Special Recognition Award, which was sponsored by David Summerfield Jewellers, to celebrate his historic ten-wicket haul against Hampshire.

Kyle Coetzer took the Foster Denovo Young Player of the Year award, and wicketkeeper Phil Mustard, who is also on tour with the England, was named the Muckle LLP Fielder of the Year and the Arnott Commercial Batsman of the Year.

Other awards went to Will Gidman (Collingwood Insurance A Team Player of the Year) and Mitch Claydon (Northern Echo Community Player of theYear).

Coach Geoff Cook said: "After such an exceptional season there was quite a lot of competition for each of the awards but Ottis had a spectacular season. Kyle has progressed superbly, looking composed and dangerous at the crease. It's been a pleasure to watch him develop.''

"The Batsman of the Year award was probably the most contested. Both Michael Di Venuto and Dale Benkenstein pushed Phil very hard, but Phil's explosive one-day performances clinched it.

"Will and Mitch have been rewarded for their unsung work. Mitch has done various charity and public appearances, despite being out injured most of the season."

* Durham will begin their defence of the Friends Provident Trophy next season with eight group games in the northern section of the revamped competition. They will play Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire and Scotland home and away. The top two go through to quarter-finals.