After hours of discussion and deliberation the winners of the 2003 Local Heroes Awards, powered by npower, have been selected.

As always, it was a hugely difficult task, one made tougher by the high standard of entries which have been flooding into The Northern Echo offices over recent weeks.

The closing date for nominations was the beginning of this week and on Tuesday a team of four judges analysed each nominee and among them were very strong contenders in all of the categories.

The judging panel was made up of Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, Gary Doig of principal awards sponsors npower, 96.6TFM's Matt Emmerson and Maureen Dixon of Orange.

The judges sometimes found it difficult to come to agreement, but all four concluded the standard of nominees is rising every year.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo said: "Every year, it gets harder to choose the winners. Such has been the high standard of nominations that it has been heart-breaking to reject some from the shortlist.

"What is certain is that the winners will know that they beat tremendous competition to be Local Heroes."

Gary Doig, npower's community relations manager for the North-East said: "The quality of this year's nominations made our jobs as judges very difficult due to the standard, determination and commitment shown by individuals of all ages and abilities and their dedication to local grassroots sports."

Matt Emmerson, of 96.6TFM said: "The standard of entries was of the highest order, making our role as judges very difficult. On reviewing the entries, it was immediately apparent why the nominees had been put forward.

"We had individuals who had overcome disabilities to excel in their chosen field, champions of the community, outstanding team successes and amateur sportsmen and women who are surely going to be household names in the future - each one of them a true local hero in their own right.

"Obviously, there's got to be winners on the night but all nominees are ambassadors for the region, so all should be proud of their achievements."

Maureen Dixon Regional PR And Sponsorship Manager of Orange said: "All those nominated have shown tremendous dedication to their sport and it was a really difficult decision deciding on the winners. Local Heroes is our chance to celebrate individual and team success and it shows everyone the depth of sporting talent in the region.

The accolade of local hero is well deserved by all the selected winners and they should be immensely proud of their achievements."

After beginning in 2000, this is the fourth year of the Local Heroes Awards, the oscars of grassroots sport.

The overall Local Hero 2003 Award last year went to Norman Sturman who had devoted more than 50 to his beloved Haughton Cricket Club in Darlington.

Twelve months previously the ultimate honour in grassroots sports went to Kip Watson who was awarded for setting up the North-East's only over-40s football league in 1980. Over 20 years later, and with Kip as secretary, the league has grown and now has five divisions featuring teams from throughout the North-East.

Kip overcame a stroke suffered four years ago and still compiles detailed match reports for Local Heroes. See Page 8 for this week's reports.

Our first winner was soldier Steven Grey in 2000 who, despite suffering a broken back, had not only returned to full fitness but had become a world bench press champion.