FORMER Exeter Chiefs rugby player Chris Whitehead is to be guest speaker at this year's Teignbridge Sports Personality of the Year Awards, it has been announced.

Mr Whitehead, who retired from top flight rugby earlier this year has now turned his skills and playing expertise to coaching Western Counties league side Kingsbridge.

Teignbridge Council which runs the awards has unveiled Mr Whitehead as the key speaker at the sporting gala event which takes place tonight at the Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren.

The awards, in association with sponsor Kitsons Solicitors and supported by the Mid-Devon Advertiser series and Palm FM, recognise athletes, volunteers, teams, committee members, coaches and community champions who are going the extra mile to get Teignbridge active all year round.