Ken Gardner MBE is one of grassroots sport true heroes.

Among his commitments he counts 40 years of involvement with the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League, 25 years on the league management committee but he is to step down as president at the annual meeting.

He's also on the board at Durham County Cricket Club having been on the committee since 1981.

Ken, who was awarded an MBE for services to industrial relations, joined Hartlepool Cricket Club in 1963 and won the championship with them twice during his 27-year playing career.

Although he is resigning the league presidency, Ken is to continue as vice-chairman of the Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust and an independent member of the Cleveland Police Authority.

Clearly dedicated to cricket, Gary Doig of npower was impressed with Ken's nomination.

Mr Doig, npower's community relations manager for the North-East said: "Local Heroes is a fantastic initiative and it is great to working in such close partnership with The Northern Echo, rewarding the achievements of grassroots sports people all over the region who deserve recognition for their commitment, dedication and effort.

"We are keen to recognise people who make a significant contribution towards enhancing their own community, whether that be through commitment to grassroots sport, the environment or charity work. The Northern Echo Local Heroes Awards, powered by npower, is an excellent way of recognising the talents and achievements of local people who invest valuable time and effort into helping the community.

"Last year, npower introduced it's own category, the npower Leading Light Award. This award sets out to honour a real unsung local hero. Last year's deserving winner was Mick Watson who received a cheque for £500.

"We had lots of top quality nominations for the npower Leading Light Award 2003 and it was difficult narrowing it down to just four.

"Ken Gardner was a particularly strong contender for his services to local cricket, with 40 years involvement with the North Yorkshire and Durham South Cricket league. This will be a tightly fought contest for the title npower Leading Light but good luck to all the finalists.