Jessica Ennis has said that it was "a dream come true" for her to finish in the top three in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

The 26-year-old Olympic heptathlon champion finished second to Bradley Wiggins in the race for the prestigious award.

"It was incredible," she told the BBC. "Very nerve-wracking being nominated but it was an amazing show. It did feel like the summer spirit was back again.

"To celebrate with a huge crowd, you feel that enthusiasm. When I started athletics not for one minute did I think I would be part of such an amazing year and having achieved what I have.

"It was a dream come true. You definitely need luck on your side and fortunately happened. It has been an incredible."

Andy Murray came third in the poll.