STORMING Norman Sturman might have taken the honours, but it was Joseph Smith who caused the biggest splash at last year's event - and the ripples were still causing a commotion weeks later!

Young swimmer Joseph was crowned the Under-16 Local Hero after single-handedly taking on all-comers at a cub scout swimming gala.

He turned up for the big event to discover he was the only one there from his pack. Undeterred, he battled on alone - and promptly won the event.

After being crowned a Local Hero, the national spotlight was soon on the swimmer dubbed "the human fish" by his Hartlepool United heroes on the night he was invited to be mascot.

A pack of national newspapers soon picked up on the story, and after appearing in the English press, news quickly spread across the globe.

One individual connected with Belmont Cubs was visiting relatives in South Africa and came across a newspaper report of his efforts.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation were also in touch and, even after an appearance on Tyne Tees TV's North-East tonight, Joseph modestly took it all in his stride.

Radio fame came too. BBC Radio Cleveland's Gobstopper, Century FMs Goffy In The Morning and TFM all had him on air before Radio Five Live presenter Adrian Childs put him at No 2 in the 2002 alternative sporting awards.

Proud father Paul said: "His news touched the hearts of many people up and down the country and he received fan mail from folk young and old, congratulating him on his achievement.

"One chap, who owned a sports shop in Durham, donated swimming trunks and goggles, and Speedo sent him flippers, goggles and a sports bag.

"Swim Associations and Cub Scout Organisations congratulated him and encouraged him to continue his swimming and scouting.''

Next up came mingling with the stars. He was invited along to the Tyne Tees Sports Personality awards at Seaburn Centre, where he met the likes of Niall Quinn, Billy Hardy, Tanni-Grey Thompson, and Sports Minister, Richard Caborn.

Mayor of Hartlepool, Stuart Drummond, also took him on a guided tour of Hartlepool's Civic Centre and Marina.

Yet his personal crowning glory, despite all the national attention he received, came when Hartlepool United chairman Ken Hodcroft invited Joseph to be match mascot for the FA Cup replay against Southend United.

"That was brilliant," said Joseph, who is now a little fish in a big pond after moving to Pittington Primary School to Belmont Comprehensive. "I have had a really good year and will never forget the night."

Paul added: "It was quite an exciting time for the laddo, and as I have pointed out before, one of the most pleasing things from a parent's point of view was the way he conducted himself throughout all of the attention that he received.

"He enjoyed it all, but remained very level headed and calm throughout; taking it all in his stride.

"I can't thank The Northern Echo enough for what they have helped him achieve in the last year."

Joseph has continued to attend training four times a week with Durham City Amateur Swimming and Water Polo Club and helped the club qualify for the Durham & District Junior League Division Two Final that was staged at Felling Pool in June.

He has also competed in several graded meets throughout the region. On a personal note Joseph has achieved his mile swim, 1600 metres (64 lengths at Aykley Heads Pool) in a time of 38:25.

The young cub has now become a scout, moving on from Belmont Cubs to 15th Durham Elvet Scouts and is eagerly awaiting and looking forward to take part in the Scout Swimming Gala to be staged later this year.

Hopefully, some of his fellow scouts will help him out this time around!