MIDDLESBROUGH manager Steve McClaren is to be a special guest at the The Northern Echo Local Heroes Awards 2003.

The Boro boss confirmed this week that he would be "delighted" to attend The Northern Echo's prestigious awards, known as The Oscars of grassroots sport.

Steve, who is tipped as a future England manager, will be choosing his "Dream Team" on the night as part of an exciting competition presented by 96.6 TFM star presenter Tom Davies.

The 600-strong audience will all be invited to select a Dream Team from a squad of star-studded international players and the one which coincides with Steve's choice will win a VIP day out for four in the TFM box at a Boro home game.

Steve, former England assistant to Sven-Goran Eriksson, said: "It's absolutely vital to support sport at the grass roots and encourage talent and commitment. I'm delighted to be involved in The Northern Echo's Local Heroes Awards and look forward to meeting some outstanding competitors."

The awards night, now in its fourth year, raises vital funds for Sports Aid Northern, which provides financial support for grass roots sport in the region.

Confirmation of Steve's attendance coincides with the final shortlist for the awards being published today.

The judges - Gary Doig, of npower; Matt Emmerson, of 96.6 TFM; Maureen Dixon, of Orange; and Peter Barron, Editor of The Northern Echo - had a difficult task sifting through the scores of entries.

FINALISTS

npower Leading Light: Robert Ellis, of Spennymoor Boxing Academy; Ken Gardner, of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League; Brian Dobinson, of the Darlington and District Cricket League; and Robert Lee, of Crook, who supports local youth football.

Under-16 Outstanding Performance: Gymnast Leonni Johnson, athlete Dean Daniel, cricketer Anthony McMahon, and swimmer Stephanie Proud.

Over-16 Outstanding Performance: Golfer Michael Skelton, powerlifter John R Battye, athlete Jim Caddy, and discus thrower Gavin Hill.

Under-16 Special Achievement: Bowls player Jonathon Bowes, footballer Michael Peel, cricketer Gareth Walton, and swimmer Laura Whitfield.

Ovder-16 Special Achievement: Chris Kerr (athletics, swimming and football), gymnast Caroline Jennison, runner Sharon Gayter, and footballer John Naisbitt.

Under-16 Unsung Hero: Cricketer Michael Walker, Ryan Blewitt (taekwondo and football), cricketer Michael Robinson, and footballer Wayne Davies.

Over-16 Unsung Hero: George Nicholson (football), Tommy Porter (football groundsman), Paul Harker (running coach), and David Jordinson (taekwondo).

Under-18 Team Award: Barnard Castle School Rugby Team, Darlington Gymnastics Club, St Leonards RC Comprehensive School Boat Club, and Quakers Running Club.

Ovder-18 Team Award: Oddfellows Arms Darts A Team, East Rainton Cricket Club, Crook Town Ladies Football Club, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Boys Volleyball Team in Darlington.

Spirit of Sport Award: Golfer Greta Whitfield, Station Pool Team, footballer Bill Smith, and footballer Keith Hopper.

* The overall Local Hero 2003 will be chosen from the category winners.