An article in last week's Local Heroes really struck a chord with me. Yarm School pupils took part in the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon during the Easter holiday and I take my hat off to them! 125 miles in a two person kayak on the River Thames sounds bad enough but apparently they have to get out no less than 77 times to carry the boat!

Now, call me a wimp but that is not my idea of fun. Well done to all the Yarm School crews who completed this test of endurance, if you're looking for members next year please don't call me!

Honours continue to be won in the local football world as the season draws to a close. Newton Cap completed a Division Three cup and league double in The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League. Marton Under-14s made it a hat-trick of victories in the North Riding Cup Final and Broompark Loves lifted the Spennymoor Sunday League Cup after narrowly missing out on the championship. It's a pity everyone can't get a mention but with so many different leagues, cups and tournaments happening its impossible. It is great though that grassroots football is thriving in the area with boys and girls, men and women of all ages and abilities taking part.

The major cup final of the weekend took place at Darlington RA's Brinkburn Road when East End took on Hurworth Albion. The match was the perfect example of the agony and ecstasy of football. East End's 94th minute equaliser and subsequent extra-time golden goal broke Hurworth hearts when they were just seconds away from picking up the trophy. Everyone who was there agreed that is was an excellent game of football and a great advert for The Northern Echo league.

Young Aaron Fletcher of Shildon ABC is certainly a well travelled young man. He recently returned from Azerbaijan of all places with a bronze medal from the Presidents Cup, a tournament where boxers from ten different countries competed. Well done to Aaron who I understand was very unfortunate not to win his semi-final.

It will soon be Wimbledon fortnight and enthusiastic amateurs across the region will be dusting off their tennis rackets with renewed enthusiasm. One junior club which needs no assistance is Greenfield in Newton Aycliffe which was recognised as Durham Sport Junior Club of the Year recently. Since its formation in 2001 over 9,000 people have taken part in its programme of activities including coaching, tournaments and mini tennis. The players range from 4 to 16 years old and the club is doing a marvellous job in encouraging young people to play tennis all year round.

Huge commiserations to Hartlepool United. To win a place in the play offs the season after promotion to Division Two was a major achievement. They were unlucky not to overcome Bristol City but can take heart from a fabulous season and look forward to pre-season with great anticipation.

On 96.6tfm we'll still be on air between 12pm and 2pm every Saturday during the summer to keep up to date with all the transfer speculation and gossip and, of course, to mull over events in Portugal.