TEENAGE football manager David Bogg had the best result of his life last night when he was crowned the Local Hero of 2004.

David, 14, was the star of the night at The Northern Echo's annual tribute to the heroes of grassroots sport, which attracted a record number of nominations.

The pupil at Branksome School, in Darlington, won the judges' hearts for the way he has overcome adversity to help turn the school football team into cup winners.

His moment of glory was watched by an audience of 700 people, including Middlesbrough Football Club manager Steve McClaren, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, World Cup hero Jack Charlton, former world champion athlete Steve Cram, and Britain's greatest ever paralympian, Tanni Grey-Thompson.

David was heartbroken when he was told by doctors that he could never take part in PE lessons because he needed reconstructive surgery to his foot.

But instead of letting it get him down, he asked if he could take over as manager of the school football team.

Initially being allowed to become assistant manager to teacher Dave Tucker, he ended up ousting him as boss and taking responsibility for all the team's administration, team selection, training, tactics and team talks.

He was nominated for the award by the team members who have grown to have full respect for him.

The judges said: "It was an incredibly hard job to select an overall winner from a very strong field. But David's story symbolises what Local Heroes is all about - celebrating the special people who dedicate themselves to grassroots sport."

Former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson paid tribute to David by video link.