The best thing about reading Local Heroes every week is the fantastic stories of local men and women achieving amazing things in their own particular sports.

During a summer when our national cricket, football, rugby and tennis players have under-achieved it is heart-warming to hear about grassroots successes.

This month's The Northern Echo Cricketer of the Month is, I'm sure he won't mind me saying, nearing the veteran stage of his career. Steve Barnes' career has spanned 35 years at Simonside, starting when he was just 14-years-old. Recently Steve achieved his life-time ambition of notching up a hat-trick not once but twice! This is, of course, the ultimate for any bowler and it's a shame that Steve has gone from the highs of the hat-tricks to the lows of picking up an injury which is currently keeping him out of the team. But as they say - that's sport for you.

A young man just beginning his career is Darlington Under-11s Andrew Sturgeon and what a star he is proving to be. Poor old Yarm were on the receiving end of a battering when Andrew took three wickets for only two runs in his allocated four overs of bowling and then hit a career best score during his four overs of batting! He also added a run-out to his achievements as Arlington won by 125 runs.

Two of our local non-league football teams have been given home ties in their quest for FA Cup glory. It's a long road ahead, but for Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor United to reach the third round, when the big clubs join the tournament, would be a major achievement - not to mention a money-spinning one like Shildon achieved last season. This is the beauty of the FA Cup - everyone can dream of reaching the Final!

Jensen Button move over - a North-East driver is hot on your heels! Nineteen-year-old Chris Dent has been offered a drive by Fortec Motorsport in their Formula Renault cars next season. Chris, from Durham, is completely committed to a career in motorsport and is now desperate to secure the sponsorship that will help him achieve his ambition. Although he's working to raise money I'm sure it's not a cheap career to pursue so maybe a local business will offer to lend a helping hand.

We're on air on 96.6TFM with Soccer Saturday all through the summer between noon and 2pm for all the latest football news from the Tees Valley. I have to admit I'm getting excited about the new season already!