MOTOR RACING: FROME-born Formula 1 star Jenson Button has won the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy for the second year running.

The Honda Racing F1 driver received the trophy from thePeter Hain, the Secretary of State for Wales and Northern Ireland, before Sunday's Foster's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The Hawthorn Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the most successful British or Commonwealth driver in the FIA Formula One World Championship. It was given by the Hawthorn family in memory of Mike Hawthorn, who became Britain's first Formula One World Champion in 1958 but who died a year later.

Button won the award for the first time in 2004, ending a four year period of dominance by David Coulthard. In 2005, however, Button had to work harder to secure the award, narrowly beating Australian Mark Webber at the final race of the season. The outright record is held by Nigel Mansell, whose name appears seven times on the trophy.

Colin Hilton, chief executive of the Motor Sports Association, said: "I am delighted that Jenson continues to lead the way for British drivers in Formula 1. "His career is a great example to any young driver hoping to rise through the ranks of national motorsport to the pinnacle of international competition."